Endovascular versus Medical Management of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Purpose The optimal management of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) compared to medical management (MM) for acute BAO through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of patients with acute BAO. We analyzed the pooled effect of EVT compared to MM on the primary outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] of 0–3 at 3 months), secondary outcome (mRS 0–2 at 3 months), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 3-month mortality rates. For each study, effect sizes were computed as odds ratios (ORs) with random effects and Mantel-Haenszel weighting. Results Four RCTs met inclusion criteria including 988 patients. There were higher odds of mRS of 0-3 at 90 days in the EVT versus MM group (45.1% vs. 29.1%, OR 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–3.80; P=0.04). Patients receiving EVT had a higher sICH compared to MM (5.4% vs. 0.8%, OR 7.89, 95% CI 4.10–15.19; P<0.01). Mortality was lower in the EVT group (35.5% vs. 45.1%, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.99; P=0.05). In an analysis of two trials with BAO patients and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) <10, there was no difference in 90-day outcomes between EVT versus MM. Conclusion In this systematic review and meta-analysis, EVT was associated with favorable outcome and decreased mortality in patients with BAO up to 24 hours from stroke symptoms compared to MM. The treatment effect in BAO patients with NIHSS <10 was less certain. Further studies are of interest to evaluate the efficacy of EVT in basilar occlusion patients with milder symptoms

Current Opinions on Optimal Management of Basilar Artery Occlusion: After the BEST of BASICS Survey

Background The best management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains uncertain. The BASICS (Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study) and the BEST (Basilar Artery Occlusion Endovascular Intervention Versus Standard Medical Treatment) trials reported neutral results. We sought to understand physicians’ approaches to BAOs and whether further BAO randomized controlled trials were warranted. Methods We conducted an online international survey from January to March 2022 to stroke neurologists and neurointerventionalists. Survey questions were designed to examine clinical and imaging parameters under which clinicians would offer (or rescind) a patient with BAO to endovascular therapy (EVT) or best medical management versus enrollment into a randomized clinical trial. Results Of >3002 invited participants, 1245 responded (41.4% response rate) from 73 countries, including 54.7% stroke neurologists and 43.6% neurointerventionalists. More than 95% of respondents would offer EVT to patients with BAO, albeit in various clinical circumstances. There were 70.0% of respondents who indicated that the BASICS and BEST trials did not change their practice. Only 22.1% of respondents would perform EVT according to anterior circulation occlusion criteria. The selection of patients for BAO EVT by clinical severity, timing, and imaging modality differed according to geography, specialty, and country income level. Over 80% of respondents agreed that further randomized clinical trials for BAO were warranted. Moreover, 45.6% of respondents indicated they would find it acceptable to enroll all trial‐eligible patients into the medical arm of a BAO trial, whereas 26.3% would not enroll. Conclusion Most stroke physicians continue to believe in the efficacy of EVT in selected patients with BAO in spite of BEST and BASICS. There is no consensus on which selection criteria to use, and few clinicians would use anterior circulation occlusion criteria for BAOs. Further randomized clinical trials for BAO are warranted

Abstract 066: Mechanical Thrombectomy Access in Africa: A Mission Thrombectomy (MT‐2020 Plus) MT‐GLASS Study Sub‐Analysis

Introduction Despite the well‐established potent benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, access to MT remains low globally, particularly in Africa. We compared the access to MT in Africa versus access in other regions of the globe. Methods Mission Thrombectomy conducted a survey in 75 countries between November 22, 2020, and February 28, 202 to assess the access to mechanical thrombectomy and its determinants. Mechanical thrombectomy access (MTA) was defined as the estimated proportion of patients with LVO receiving MT annually. The current MT operator availability was defined as ([current MT operators x 50/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy‐eligible LVOs] x 100) and the current MT center availability was defined as ([current MT centers x 150/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy‐eligible LVOs] x 100). Baseline survey responses in Africa versus the rest of the world were summarized using descriptive statistics. Between group differences in baseline characteristics were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test Results Of all 61 countries included in the final analysis, 14.8% (n=9) were from the African continent. Median MT access in Africa (0.4%) was about 10% of that of the rest of the world (4.9%). Country‐level summary characteristics of different determinants of MT access in Africa vs the rest of the world are presented in Table 1. Less than 50% of African countries (44.4%) have prehospital medical services, compared to 84.6% in the rest of the world (p‐value for comparison =0.007). In generalized linear models, LVO stroke patients in Africa had 90% lower odds of MT access when compared to the rest of the world (OR 0.10, 95%CI 0.04‐0.22). Conclusion Access to MT in Africa is extremely low and far below that of other regions of the globe. Public health interventions must be prioritized to increase access to MT in the continent of Africa

Racial Disparity in Mechanical Thrombectomy Utilization: Multicenter Registry Results From 2016 to 2020

Background Previous studies on racial disparity in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment of acute large vessel occlusion stroke lack individual patient data that influence treatment decision‐making. We assessed patient‐level data in a large US health care system from 2016 to 2020 for racial disparities in MT utilization and eligibility. Methods and Results A retrospective study was performed of 34 596 patients admitted to 43 hospitals from January 2016 to September 2020. Data included patient age, sex, race, residential zip code median income and population density, presenting hospital stroke certification, baseline ambulation, and National Institutes of Health stroke scale. The cohort included 26 640 White, non‐Hispanic (77.0%), and 7956 African American/Black (23.0%) patients. In multivariable logistic regression, Black patients were less likely to undergo MT (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.54–0.76), arrive within 5 hours of “last known well” (adjusted OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69–0.78), and have documented anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (adjusted OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.96). Race was not associated with MT rate among patients arriving within 5 hours of last known well with documented acute large vessel occlusion. Conclusions Black patients with stroke underwent MT less frequently than White patients, likely in part because of longer times from last known well to hospital arrival and a lower rate of documented acute large vessel occlusion. Further studies are needed to assess whether extending the MT time window and more aggressive large vessel occlusion screening protocols mitigate this disparity

Abstract 1122‐000243: Capacity and Characteristics of Thrombectomy Centers World‐wide Using the MT2020+ Global Thrombectomy Tracking Smartphone App

Introduction : Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been established as a first line therapy for large vessel occlusion stroke; however, MT remains underutilized globally with massive disparity in access based on country income level. Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ (MT2020+) is a global alliance and campaign that aims to reduce this disparity and democratize MT access for patients. A novel smartphone application, Global Thrombectomy Tracking App, was designed to characterize thrombectomy centers on a global‐level and numerically track MT cases in near real‐time. Methods : The MT2020 App was launched in November 2019. To gain insight into local systems of care, neurointerventionalists were prompted to participate in an optional 11‐question survey over a 19‐month period. Questions pertained to population density, organizational structure, academic affiliation, available imaging modalities, tPA usage, and case volumes. Results : Of 338 active users from 9 countries, 49‐neurointerventionalists participated in the survey. The majority (71.5%) practiced in large metropolis with population >1‐million, of which 16.3% were in mega‐cities (>10‐million). The centers were government funded (46.9%), private (40.8%) or charitable (12.2%). Most were academic hospitals (81.6%) with neurointerventional trainees (55.1%). At most centers (87.7%), IV‐tPA was available with annual treatment rate >5% for 55.1%. Most centers (57.1%) utilize additional CT perfusion scans prior to MT. For 69.3% respondents, the annual MT case volume was between 10–100 cases. Conclusions : Our survey analysis shows that the global MT tracking APP can generate important thrombectomy capacity and characteristics at regional levels on a global scale, which can be used for targeted funding and resource allocation to accelerate access to MT

Smartphone imaging repository: a novel method for creating a CT image bank

Abstract Background Imaging repositories are commonly attached to ongoing clinical trials, but capturing, transmitting, and storing images can be complicated and labor-intensive. Typical methods include outdated technologies such as compact discs. Electronic file transfer is becoming more common, but even this requires hours of staff time on dedicated computers in the radiology department. Methods We describe and test an image capture method using smartphone camera video-derived images of brain computed tomography (CT) scans of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. The deidentified videos are emailed or uploaded from the emergency department for central adjudication. We selected eight scans, mild moderate, and severe subdural and multicompartmental hematomas and mild and moderate intraparenchymal hematomas. Ten users acquired data using seven different smartphones. We measured the time in seconds it took to capture and send the files. The primary outcomes were hematoma volume measured by ABC/2, Marshall scale, midline shift measurement, image quality by a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and time to capture. A radiologist and an imaging scientist applied the ABC/2 method and calculated the Marshall scale and midline shift on the data acquired on different smartphones and the PACS in a randomized order. We calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We measured image quality by calculating the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). We report summary statistics on time to capture in the smartphone group without a comparator. Results ICC for lesion volume, midline shift, and Marshall score were 0.973 (95% CI 0.931, 0.994), 0.998 (95% CI: 0.996, 0.999), and 0.973 (0.931, 0.994), respectively. Lesion conspicuity was not different among the image types via assessment of CNR using the Friedman test, $${\lambda }^{2}$$ λ 2 of 24.8, P =  < .001, with a small Kendall’s W effect size (0.591). Mean (standard deviation) time to capture and email the video was 60.1 (24.3) s. Conclusions Typical smartphones may produce video image quality high enough for use in a clinical trial imaging repository. Video capture and transfer takes only seconds, and hematoma volumes, Marshall scales, and image quality measured on the videos did not differ significantly from those calculated on the PACS

Abstract 1122‐000121: Integrated Geomapping Tool of Certified Stroke Centers in United States: A SVIN MT2020+ Committee Collaboration

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare spending in the United States. Acute management of ischemic stroke is time‐dependent and evidence suggests improved clinical outcomes for patients treated at designated certified stroke centers. There is an increasing trend among hospitals to obtain certification as designated stroke centers. A common source or integrated tool providing both information and location of all available stroke centers in the US irrespective of the certifying organization is not readily available. The objective of our research is to generate a comprehensive and interactive electronic resource with combined data on all geographically‐coded certified stroke centers to assist in pre‐hospital triage and study healthcare disparities in stroke including availability and access to acute stroke care by location and population. Methods: Data on stroke center certification was primarily obtained from each of the three main certifying organizations: The Joint Commission (TJC), Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP). Geographic mapping of all stroke center locations was performed using the ArcGIS Pro application. The most current data on stroke centers is presented in an interactive electronic format and the information is frequently updated to represent newly certified centers. Utility of the tool and its analytics are shown. Role of the tool in improving pre‐hospital triage in the stroke systems of care, studying healthcare disparities and implications for public health policy are discussed. Results: Aggregate data analysis at the time of submission revealed 1,806 total certified stroke centers. TJC‐certified stroke centers represent the majority with 106 Acute Stroke Ready (ASR), 1,040 Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs), 49 Thrombectomy Capable Centers (TSCs) and 197 Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs). A total of 341 DNV‐certified programs including 36 ASRs, 162 PSCs, 16 PSC Plus (thrombectomy capable) and 127 CSCs were identified. HFAP‐certified centers (75) include 16 ASRs, 49 PSCs, 2 TSCs and 8 CSCs. A preliminary map of all TJC‐certified CSCs and TSCs is shown in the figure (1). Geospatial analysis reveals distinct areas with currently limited access to certified stroke centers and currently, access to certified stroke centers is extremely limited to non‐existent in fe States (for example: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and South Dakota). Conclusions: Stroke treatment and clinical outcomes are time‐dependent and prompt assessment and triage by EMS directly to appropriate designated stroke centers is therefore critical. A readily available electronic platform providing location and treatment capability for all nearby certified centers will enhance regional stroke systems of care, including enabling more rapid inter‐hospital transfers for advanced intervention. Identifying geographic areas of limited access to treatment can also help improve policy and prioritize the creation of a more equitable and well‐distributed network of stroke care in the United States

Abstract 282: Understanding Current Organizational Strategies to Support Physician Well‐Being in Stroke, Neurocritical Care, and Neurointerventional Practice

Introduction Burnout in medicine is an occupational hazard and has emerged as a pressing concern in recent years. Organizational changes can be impactful in countering burnout (1). The factors leading to burnout in medicine are multifaceted, encompassing organizational factors such as workload, inadequate support, and inefficient administrative systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate current organizational measures to support physician well‐being. This study was an initiative led by the SVIN wellness committee. Methods A 39‐question online survey investigating current organizational well‐being practices was distributed to physicians both nationally and internationally practicing stroke, neurocritical care, and interventional neurology. Data analysis was performed using Python, utilizing the libraries “pandas” and “sklearn”. Results This study analyzed burnout among 109 healthcare professionals, predominantly from the U.S. (93.6%) and Canada (6.4%). The majority were neurointerventional specialists (53.2%), aged 35‐44 years (52.3%), and male (62.4%). Burnout frequency was measured on a 0 (Never) to 4 (Every day) scale. Using a Random Forest model, the study identified key burnout predictors from questions, which covered organizational leadership, wellness resources, compensation, and workload. The most influential predictors were: adequacy of compensation relative to specialty, workload, and stress (17.7% importance); leadership accountability for workforce wellbeing (9.1%); and establishment of wellness or burnout as a critical metric (7.5%). Other factors included provision of wellness screenings (7.1%), and dedication of resources toward professional well‐being (4.9%). Conclusion The study identifies compensation, leadership accountability, and wellness resources as key predictors of burnout among healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the need for targeted organizational strategies to enhance physician well‐being and mitigate burnout. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings

Mechanical Thrombectomy Access for All? Challenges in Increasing Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the United States

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the most effective treatment for selected patients with an acute ischemic stroke due to emergent large vessel occlusions (LVOs). There is an urgent need to identify and address challenges in access to MT to maximize the numbers of patients who can benefit from this treatment. Barriers in access to MT include delays in evaluation and accurate diagnosis of LVO leading to inappropriate triage, logistical delays related to availability of facilities and trained interventionalists, and financial hurdles that affect treatment reimbursement. Collection of regional data related to these barriers is critical to better understand current access gaps and a measurable access score to thrombectomy could be useful to plan local public health intervention

Mechanical Thrombectomy Global Access For Stroke (MT-GLASS): A Mission Thrombectomy (MT-2020 Plus) Study

Background: Despite the well-established potent benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, access to MT has not been studied globally. We conducted a worldwide survey of countries on 6 continents to define MT access (MTA), the disparities in MTA, and its determinants on a global scale. Methods: Our survey was conducted in 75 countries through the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ global network between November 22, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The primary end points were the current annual MTA, MT operator availability, and MT center availability. MTA was defined as the estimated proportion of patients with LVO receiving MT in a given region annually. The availability metrics were defined as ([current MT operators×50/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100 = MT operator availability) and ([current MT centers×150/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100= MT center availability). The metrics used optimal MT volume per operator as 50 and an optimal MT volume per center as 150. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models were used to evaluate factors associated with MTA. Results: We received 887 responses from 67 countries. The median global MTA was 2.79% (interquartile range, 0.70–11.74). MTA was Conclusions: Access to MT on a global level is extremely low, with enormous disparities between countries by income level. The significant determinants of MT access are the country’s per capita gross national income, prehospital LVO triage policy, and MT operator and center availability