PURPOSE: Acute carotid-T occlusion generally responds poorly to thrombolysis. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) seems to be a promising alternative. However, there are few data on EMT in carotid-T occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data of 14 consecutive patients with acute carotid-T occlusions treated with mechanical recanalisation devices. A clot separation/aspiration system was used in 11 patients; different other mechanical retriever devices were used in seven patients; and stents were used in four patients. Modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days were recorded to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: Six women and eight men were included in the study. Mean patient age was 59.2 years; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 19; and mean time to treatment was 4.2 h. Successful recanalisation (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] score II and III) was achieved in 11 patients (78.6%). Seven patients (50.0%) were treated with more than one device, leading to successful recanalisation in six of these patients (85.7%). Subarachnoid haemorrhage and large space-occupying bleedings occurred in one (7.1%) and three (21.4%) patients, respectively. At follow-up, three patients (21.4%) were functionally independent, and six (42.9%) had died. CONCLUSION: When applying different mechanical devices, we found a high recanalisation rate. However, discrepancy between recanalisation and clinical outcome remained. More data are needed to assess the effect of the different methods on the prognoses of stroke patients.
PURPOSE: Acute carotid-T occlusion generally responds poorly to thrombolysis. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) seems to be a promising alternative. However, there are few data on EMT in carotid-T occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data of 14 consecutive patients with acute carotid-T occlusions treated with mechanical recanalisation devices. A clot separation/aspiration system was used in 11 patients; different other mechanical retriever devices were used in seven patients; and stents were used in four patients. Modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days were recorded to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: Six women and eight men were included in the study. Mean patient age was 59.2 years; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 19; and mean time to treatment was 4.2 h. Successful recanalisation (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] score II and III) was achieved in 11 patients (78.6%). Seven patients (50.0%) were treated with more than one device, leading to successful recanalisation in six of these patients (85.7%). Subarachnoid haemorrhage and large space-occupying bleedings occurred in one (7.1%) and three (21.4%) patients, respectively. At follow-up, three patients (21.4%) were functionally independent, and six (42.9%) had died. CONCLUSION: When applying different mechanical devices, we found a high recanalisation rate. However, discrepancy between recanalisation and clinical outcome remained. More data are needed to assess the effect of the different methods on the prognoses of strokepatients.