A standardized neurointerventional thrombectomy protocol leads to faster recanalization times. (3rd November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frei, Donald; McGraw, Constance; McCarthy, Kathryn; Whaley, Michelle; Bellon, Richard J; Loy, David; Wagner, Jeff; Orlando, Alessandro; Bar-Or, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurointerventional surgery. Volume 9:Number 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1035
• Page End: 1040
• Publication Date: 2016-11-03
• Subjects: Stroke -- Thrombectomy -- Intervention; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Cerebrovascular disease -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.48
• DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2016-012716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8478

Abstract

Abstract : Background and purpose: Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) is most effective when performed rapidly after ischemic stroke onset. However, there are limited performance benchmarks in IAT and there is a scarcity of information on how to structure an effective IAT protocol and its impact on time to treatment. The objective of our study was to detail a standardized IAT protocol, and to assess its influence on time to treatment in ischemic stroke. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study over 4 years at a comprehensive stroke center. A standardized IAT protocol was implemented in June 2013 that included pre-notifying the stroke team before hospital arrival, defining clinician roles, processing tasks in parallel, and standardizing IAT procedures. Three time metrics were examined and reported as median (IQR) minutes: arrival to CT imaging, CT to groin puncture, and puncture to recanalization. We compared these metrics in patients admitted before implementation (January 2012–May 2013) to patients admitted after (June 2013–December 2015) using Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney tests. Results: 380 patients were included. After the protocol was implemented, there were significant reductions in time from arrival to CT (17 (14–21) vs 13 (11–19) min, p<0.001), CT to puncture (46 (30–82) vs 31 (23–54) min, p<0.001), and puncture to recanalization (65 (33–90) vs 37 (22–65) min, p<0.001). 60% of time was saved during puncture to recanalization. Significant reductions in time were observed during both normal working hours and off-hours. Conclusions: Implementation of a standardized protocol resulted in a significant reduction in time to recanalization for patients with an ischemic stroke. A standardized IAT protocol decreases time to recanalization when team roles are clearly defined, tasks are processed in parallel, and procedures are standardized.