Intravenous Thrombolysis Before Endovascular Treatment in Posterior Circulation Occlusions: A MR CLEAN Registry Study.

Background: The effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before endovascular treatment (EVT) has been investigated in randomized trials and meta-analyses. These studies mainly concerned anterior circulation occlusions. We aimed to investigate clinical, technical, and safety outcomes of IVT before EVT in posterior circulation occlusions in a nationwide registry.

Endovascular treatment versus no endovascular treatment after 6-24 h in patients with ischaemic stroke and collateral flow on CT angiography (MR CLEAN-LATE) in the Netherlands: a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

Background: Endovascular treatment for anterior circulation ischaemic stroke is effective and safe within a 6 h window. MR CLEAN-LATE aimed to assess efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for patients treated in the late window (6-24 h from symptom onset or last seen well) selected on the basis of the presence of collateral flow on CT angiography (CTA).

Methods: MR CLEAN-LATE was a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial done in 18 stroke intervention centres in the Netherlands.

Initial Single-Center Experience With the Knickerbocker Technique During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair to Block Retrograde False Lumen Flow in Patients With Type B Aortic Dissection.

Objective: Effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in type B aortic dissection is impaired by persistent retrograde false lumen flow via distal re-entry tears. Controlled, stentgraft-assisted balloon dilatation of the true lumen at its lower end, or Knickerbocker technique, may block retrograde false lumen flow and consequently improve effectiveness by inducing immediate thrombosis along the entire descending thoracic aorta.

Materials And Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed for all consecutive patients with aortic dissection treated with the Knickerbocker technique to block retrograde false lumen flow.

Editor's Choice - Two Year Results of the Randomised DISCOVER Trial Comparing Covered Versus Bare Metal Stents in the Common Iliac Artery.

Objective: It has been suggested that covered stents (CS) may lower restenosis rates compared with bare metal stents (BMS) after endovascular treatment of the common iliac artery. This trial aimed to provide additional evidence on the efficacy of CS vs. BMS in the common iliac artery.

Circle of Willis variation and outcome after intra-arterial treatment.

Background: Intra-arterial treatment (IAT) improves outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke. Presence of collaterals increases likelihood of good outcome. We investigated whether variations in the circle of Willis (CoW) and contributing carotid arteries influence outcome in patients who had a stroke treated with IAT.

Endovascular repair of a ruptured, extremely tortuous, descending thoracic aorta aneurysm with aortic coarctation.

We have presented a case of a ruptured descending aortic aneurysm that was accompanied by extreme tortuosity and a pseudocoarctation at the level of the ligamentum arteriosum. We performed successful endovascular repair, covering the left subclavian artery, using a transapical-to-femoral artery (through-and-through) guidewire technique to overcome the tortuosity, with the option to perform balloon angioplasty in the case of an increased gradient over the coarctation. In the present case report, we have underlined the role of close collaborations with aortic expertise centers.

Benefit of successful reperfusion achieved by endovascular thrombectomy for patients with ischemic stroke and moderate pre-stroke disability (mRS 3): results from the MR CLEAN Registry.

Background: Pre-stroke dependent patients (modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) ≥3) were excluded from most trials on endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the anterior circulation. Therefore, little evidence exists for EVT in those patients. We aimed to investigate the safety and benefit of EVT in pre-stroke patients with mRS score 3.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Bronchial Artery Embolisation.

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for performing bronchial artery embolisation to effectively treat haemoptysis. It has been developed by an expert writing group established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee.

Safety and efficacy of aspirin, unfractionated heparin, both, or neither during endovascular stroke treatment (MR CLEAN-MED): an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Aspirin and unfractionated heparin are often used during endovascular stroke treatment to improve reperfusion and outcomes. However, the effects and risks of anti-thrombotics for this indication are unknown. We therefore aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous aspirin, unfractionated heparin, both, or neither started during endovascular treatment in patients with ischaemic stroke.

Improvements in Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Longitudinal Study in the MR CLEAN Registry.

Background: We evaluated data from all patients in the Netherlands who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the past 3.5 years, to identify nationwide trends in time to treatment and procedural success, and assess their effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods: We included patients with proximal occlusions of the anterior circulation from the second and first cohorts of the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry (March 2014 to June 2016; June 2016 to November 2017, respectively).

Influence of the interventionist's experience on outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: results from the MR CLEAN Registry.

Background: The relationship between the interventionist's experience and outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation, is unclear.

Objective: To assess the effect of the interventionist's level of experience on clinical, imaging, and workflow outcomes. Secondly, to determine which of the three experience definitions is most strongly associated with these outcome measures.

Endovascular Repair of Complicated Type B Aortic Intramural Haematoma: A Single Centre Long Term Experience.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the treatment of patients with complicated type B aortic intramural haematoma (IMH).

Methods: A retrospective observational study of patients treated between January 2002 and December 2017 was performed. Complicated type B IMH was defined as persistent pain, rapid dilatation, presence of ulcer-like projections (ULPs), haemothorax, and other signs of (impending) rupture.

A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Alteplase before Endovascular Treatment for Stroke.

Background: The value of administering intravenous alteplase before endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke has not been studied extensively, particularly in non-Asian populations.

Methods: We performed an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial in Europe involving patients with stroke who presented directly to a hospital that was capable of providing EVT and who were eligible for intravenous alteplase and EVT. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive EVT alone or intravenous alteplase followed by EVT (the standard of care).

Endovascular Treatment for Posterior Circulation Stroke in Routine Clinical Practice: Results of the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands Registry.

Background And Purpose: The benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) for posterior circulation stroke (PCS) remains uncertain, and little is known on treatment outcomes in clinical practice. This study evaluates outcomes of a large PCS cohort treated with EVT in clinical practice. Simultaneous to this observational study, several intervention centers participated in the BASICS trial (Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study), which tested the efficacy of EVT for basilar artery occlusion in a randomized setting.

White Matter Lesions and Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: MR CLEAN Registry Results.

Background: Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) have been associated with a greater risk of poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke. We assessed the relations between WML burden and radiological and clinical outcomes in patients treated with endovascular treatment in routine practice.

Methods: We analyzed data from the MR CLEAN Registry (Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischaemic Stroke in the Netherlands)—a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study of patients treated with endovascular treatment in the Netherlands.

Endovascular Therapy for Stroke Due to Basilar-Artery Occlusion.

Background: The effectiveness of endovascular therapy in patients with stroke caused by basilar-artery occlusion has not been well studied.

Methods: We randomly assigned patients within 6 hours after the estimated time of onset of a stroke due to basilar-artery occlusion, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive endovascular therapy or standard medical care. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome, defined as a score of 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 6, with 0 indicating no disability, 3 indicating moderate disability, and 6 indicating death) at 90 days.

Disabling Wake Up Stroke without Lesions on Initial Diffusion Weighted Imaging - Case Report and Clinical Implications.

An 86-year-old lady presented after waking up with left sided paresis and neglect. Right hemispheral stroke was suspected, but initial MRI with Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) was negative and there was no large vessel occlusion. We accordingly withheld intravenous thrombolysis.

Comparison of Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography to Computed Tomography in Detecting Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is considered the imaging modality of choice to diagnose pulmonary arteriovenous malformations PAVMs. The drawback of this technique is that it requires ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging does not have the limitation, but little is known about the performance of MR compared to CT for the detection of PAVMs.

Intravenous Thrombolysis Is Not Associated with Increased Time to Endovascular Treatment.

Background: Endovascular treatment (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is effective and safe in is-chemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion, but IVT might delay time to EVT or increase risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We assessed the influence of prior IVT on time to treatment and risk of ICH in patients treated with EVT.

Methods: We analyzed data from the MR CLEAN Registry and included patients with an anterior circulation occlusion treated with EVT who presented directly to an intervention center, between 2014 and 2017.

Path From Clinical Research to Implementation: Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands.

Before 2015, endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke was considered a promising treatment option. Based on limited evidence, it was performed in several dedicated stroke centers worldwide on selected patients. Since 2015, EVT for patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion has quickly been implemented as standard treatment in many countries worldwide, supported by the revised international guidelines based on solid evidence from multiple clinical trials.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcome after Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the MR CLEAN Trial.

Background: Though obesity is a well-known risk factor for vascular disease, the impact of obesity on stroke outcome has been disputed. Several studies have shown that obesity is associated with better functional outcome after stroke. Whether obesity influences the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) in stroke patients is unknown.

Anesthetic management during endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the MR CLEAN Registry.

Objective: To compare outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke with 3 different types of anesthetic management in clinical practice, as anesthetic management may influence functional outcome.

Methods: Data of patients with an anterior circulation occlusion, included in the Dutch nationwide, prospective Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry between March 2014 and June 2016, were analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups defined by anesthetic technique performed during EVT: local anesthesia only (LA), general anesthesia (GA), or conscious sedation (CS).

Thrombus Migration Paradox in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and Purpose- The location of the thrombus as observed on first digital subtraction angiography during endovascular treatment may differ from the initial observation on initial noninvasive imaging. We studied the incidence of thrombus dynamics, its impact on patient outcomes, and its association with intravenous thrombolytics. Methods- We included patients from the MR CLEAN registry (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke) with an initial target occlusion on computed tomography angiography located in the intracranial internal carotid artery, M1, or M2.

Balloon Guide Catheter in Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results from the MR CLEAN Registry.

Purpose: To compare outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke with and without the use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) in clinical practice.

Materials And Methods: Data from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in The Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry were used, in which all patients who underwent EVT for anterior-circulation stroke in The Netherlands between 2014 and 2016 were enrolled. Primary outcome was modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 90 days.