Objective: To investigate the endovascular management strategy of mechanical thrombectomy using Solitaire AB stent for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with atrial fibrillation and assess the safety and efficacy.
Methods: From June 2012 to Dec 2013, 40 patients of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with atrial fibrillation admitted to our institutes were treated by Solitaire AB stent.Clinical status was evaluated by the score of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) before and 72 hours after treatment, immediate scale of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) after thrombectomy, the 90 d score of Modified Rankin Scale (mRS).The patients were classified into good result group (mRS≤2) and bad result group (mRS>2) according to the mRS score.
Results: Out of 40 cases, there were 28 cases caused by cardiogenic embolism. Recanalization was successful (TICI score 2b or 3) in 37 out of 40 (92.5%). 90 d follow-up mRS was 0-2 in 19 of 40 patients (47.5%). 3-5 in 21 patients (52.5%). 5 patients died (12.5%).Symptomatic hemorrhagic transform developed in 6 patients (15%).No complications related to the Solitaire AB thrombectomy occurred.Mean time from symptom onset to recanalization (312±52 min vs 370±68 min, P<0.05) and initial NIHSS score (17.0±0.4 vs 18.6±0.4, P<0.05) were of significant difference between good result group and bad result group.
Conclusion: These results confirm that mechanical thrombectomy using solitaire AB stent for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with atrial fibrillation is safe and effective.