Mechanical recanalization with flow restoration in acute ischemic stroke: The ReFlow (Mechanical Recanalization with Flow Restoration in Acute Ischemic Stroke) study

摘要

Objectives: This study sought to assess the feasibility and safety of a recently described technique of mechanical recanalization with the help of a stent-like device. Background: In the special group of acute stroke patients with an intracranial large vessel occlusion, intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator on its own leads to a good clinical outcome (mRS ≤2) in only 15% to 25% of cases. The aforementioned technique of mechanical recanalization showed very promising clinical results. Methods: Forty patients presenting within 6 h from stroke symptom onset were enrolled. Mechanical recanalization was performed using a Solitaire FR revascularization device. The primary endpoint of the study was the clinical outcome rated with the help of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 90 days. Results: Twenty-four patients (60%) showed a good clinical outcome (mRS ≤2) at 90 days. One symptomatic hemorrhage was detected on follow-up computed tomography. The death rate was 12.5% (5 patients). Successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b) of the target vessel was achieved in 95% of the patients with a mean of 1.8 runs with the device. Conclusions: The ReFlow (Mechanical Recanalization With Flow Restoration in Acute Ischemic Stroke) study shows that mechanical recanalization with flow restoration is highly effective in stroke patients with a large intracranial vessel occlusion presenting within 4.5 h after symptom onset.