Radially adjustable stent retriever for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: Improved first-pass effect with rapid-inflation deflation technique.

IntroductionEvidence for improved first-pass effect with the novel radially adjustable radio-opaque stent retriever Tigertriever is lacking.ObjectiveTo compare improvement in first pass success with Tigertriever using two different techniques-rapid inflation deflation (RID) and suction thrombectomy (ST).MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with Tigertriever at a single comprehensive stroke center.ResultsThirty patients were included. Mean age was 72.8 years. Twelve patients (48%) experienced successful first passes with Tigertriever. Successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b/3) was achieved in all (100%) patients who received RID or ST technique for thrombectomy. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin score = 0-2) was noted in 40% (n = 10). Total mortality in the cohort was 8% (n = 2). RID and ST groups comprised of 10 and 15 patients, respectively. Five patients underwent MT with Tigertriever as a rescue device.RID vs STNo difference was noted in mean age (p = 0.27), gender (p = 0.29), location of occlusion (p = 0.46), and device used for first pass (p = 0.57). A 70% first-pass success rate in RID group and 37.5% in ST group was noticed (p = 0.06). Mean time from groin puncture to reperfusion (TICI 2b//3) was statistically similar (p = 0.29, RID: 19.9 min vs ST: 25 min). Both groups noted a 100% complete recanalization rate. The rate of mortality between the two groups were not statistically different (p = 0.46).ConclusionThe preliminary first-pass success rates of RID technique with Tigertriever compared to ST technique, are encouraging. Longitudinal studies with longer follow up are needed to elucidate the smaller learning curve with this device.