Cumulative experience improves the procedures of mechanical thrombectomy

Abstract

Abstract Background Mechanical thrombectomy has been widely performed for large vessel occlusion stroke. The present study aimed to determine whether cumulative experience could improve thrombectomy outcomes. Methods In this retrospective single-center analysis, patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire stent in 3 years from 25 April 2015 were enrolled in the current study. Patients’ characteristics, durations of admission and treatment, recanalization rates, clinical outcomes, and hemorrhage transformation rates were compared among the 3 years. Logistic analysis was used to analyze the independent correlation of the years and procedural outcomes. Results A total of 222 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy in the 3 years: 50 in the first year, 68 in the second year, and 104 in the third year. Door-to-puncture time (P < 0.001) and puncture-to-recanalization time (P = 0.033) decreased significantly among the 3 years, while successful recanalization rates increased (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed an independent increase in the successful recanalization rates in the second year and third year (P = 0.020, P = 0.001) as compared to that in the first year. Conclusions Cumulative experience might improve the procedures of mechanical thrombectomy. The current findings suggested a potential benefit for centralization in the treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke.

Keywords

• Experience
• Mechanical thrombectomy
• Large vessel occlusion stroke
• Recanalization
• Annual