Initial experience with a self-expanding retrievable stent for recanalization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke

Introduction Quicker recanalization results in better clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes. We describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent in acute intracranial occlusions. Methods Patients who underwent intra-arterial procedures with a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent for acute ischemic strokes at our center in 2009 were included in this study. The primary outcome was recanalization [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 2/3] at end of procedure. Secondary endpoints were procedural interval times, incidence of vasospasm, rupture of vessels, devicerelated complications, groin complications, postprocedural intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on noncontrast CT, and all-cause mortality. Results Fourteen patients (mean age 62.1 years, range 34- 81 years; six males) were included in the study. Sites of occlusion are as follows: M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA, n=8), M2 MCA (n=1), proximal basilar artery (n=1), and distal basilar artery (n=4). An additional device or technique was used in 9 of 14 patients prior to the use of the retrievable stent. Twelve out of 14 (85.7%) achieved TIMI 2-3 recanalization with 4 of 14 (28.6%) achieving TIMI 3. Eight of 14 (57.1%) patients had modified Rankin Scale (0-2) at 3 months or discharge. ICH on follow-up CT was noted in 28.6% (4 of 14) of patients. All-cause mortality was 2 of 14 (14.3%). Conclusion Use of a novel self-expanding, fully retrievable stent resulted in fast and very high recanalization rates in acute ischemic strokes with intravascular occlusions.