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Introduction Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) devices are evolving rapidly to improve safety and efficacy of EVT‐mediated recanalization of large vessel occlusion strokes, and to access medium and distal vessel occlusions. To enable effective comparative analyses, there is a need to develop an objective in‐vitro safety metric for new EVT devices. Methods We utilized three FDA‐approved stent‐retrievers (4 mm diameter; variable lengths) currently available in the United States and deployed them in an in‐vitro ischemic stroke bench model (Sim Agility, Mentice Inc., Sweden). The stent‐retrievers were deployed in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery of the model using a system comprised of an 0.014 inch guide wire and 0.021 inch microcatheter. After unsheathing in the M1 segment, in the absence of a blood clot, the microcatheter was withdrawn back into the petrous internal carotid artery, and the whole system was withdrawn as a rate of 5 mm per second. Maximum deflection of the terminal internal carotid was measured in 3 axes using a specialized camera set‐up. Results A total of 3 passes were performed for each stent‐retriever (stent A, stent B, and stent C). Maximum deflection of the terminal internal carotid artery (from resting position to largest displacement during stent‐retrieval withdrawal) was measured in 3 planes and the values were as follows (Table).Maximum Euclidean Deflection (MED) ranged from 6.1 to 9.1 mm. Deflection varied based on 3 stent‐retriever designs and the plane of measurement. Figure demonstrates deflections as seen in Stent A. Conclusions Withdrawing an unsheathed stent‐retriever from the middle cerebral artery leads to significant deflection of the internal carotid artery terminus in an in‐vitro stroke model. The degree of deflection is variable in different planes and varies based on stent‐retriever design. Further studies are required to examine the predictors and impact of the deflection.

Introduction Rapid detection and appropriate triage of large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, upon arrival to a hospital system, is key to achieving better outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) mediated recanalization of LVO strokes . Automated neuroimaging analyses has the potential to streamline intra‐ hospital workflow. We aim to study the change in vital intra‐hospital time metrics before and after adoption of an automated neuroimaging triage platform (ANTP). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at our EVT capable stroke center between April 2019 and November 2021. IschemaView’s Rapid software was adopted in October 2020 for triage of stroke patients. Patients treated before were our control cohort and patients treated after were our intervention cohort. Confirmed LVO strokes presenting to our center within 24 hours of stroke onset were included. Results A total of 305 patients were included‐ control (n = 150) and intervention cohort (n = 155). Age (70±15 vs 72 ±15,p = .40), NIHSS score (13 ±8 vs 14 ±7, p = .24), and last‐known‐well to arrival (392 ±464 vs 376 ±427 min, p = .38) were comparable between the two groups. Time from arrival to non‐contrast CT head was also comparable between the two groups (150 ±712 vs 161 ±794, p = .89). Time from non‐contrast CT head to decision to EVT (36 ±54 vs 22 ±58, p = .06) and time from non‐contrast CT to groin puncture (41 ±61 vs 61 ±65, p = .01) were shorter in the intervention cohort compared to control cohort. Length of stay and discharge mRS score were similar between the two cohorts. Conclusions Automated neuroimaging triage platform has the potential to improve workflow by decreasing time from non‐contrast CT to EVT decision and groin puncture. Further studies are required to study impact on patient outcomes.

Introduction Endovascular procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years due to preference of minimally invasive approaches and technological advancement.This study aims to characterize the trends in procedural rates of common neuro‐endovascular procedures performed by neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. Methods The Medicare Provider Utilization Database was queried from 2013 to 2019 for all primary Current Procedural Terminology codes identified by the American Medical Association as pertaining to endovascular procedures of the nervous system (61623, 61624, 61630, 61635, 61626, 61645, and 61650). Statistical analyses, including data aggregation, exploratory analysis, and propensity adjustment, were performed using R, version 4.0.1 (The R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). The two‐sided Mann‐Kendall trend test, a non‐parametric statistical test that assesses for monotonic trends in either an upward or downward trend, was utilized to assess for trends over time. A significance level of 0.05 was used. Results Between 2013 to 2019 a total of 40,730 endovascular procedures were performed by neurosurgeons, neurologists and radiologists treating Medicare patients. When all codes were combined, there was a significant increase in the number of procedures done by all specialists: Radiology (2013:1080; 2019:4938; p:0.02), Neurosurgery (2013:1230; 2019:4508; p< 0.01), and Neurology (2013:205; 2019:2397; p:0.04). Significant increases in mechanical thrombectomy (CPT61645) were observed in all fields: Radiology (2016:1287, 2019:3542; p< 0.01), Neurosurgery (2016:610; 2019:2326; p< 0.01), Neurology (2016:569; 2019:1951; p< 0.01). Increases in transcatheter permanent occlusion (CPT61624) were observed in neurosurgery (2013:1230; 2019:2049; p:0.04). Increases in temporary balloon artery occlusion (CPT61623) were noted in neurology (2013:21; 2019:27; p:0.04). Conclusions Endovascular procedures have seen a dramatic rise in utilization over a short amount of time, particularly mechanical thrombectomy. Future investigation should include more inclusive datasets beyond the Medicare population.

Introduction While neurovascular surgeries have largely been performed by neurosurgeons, the advent of endovascular procedures has produced increasing involvement of other specialists in this arena (i.e. neurologists and radiologists).This study aims to analyzethe involvement of different specialties within theneuroendovascular workforce by characterizingthem by their primary specialty. Methods The Medicare Provider Utilization Database was queried from 2013 to 2019 for all primary Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes identified by the American Medical Association as pertaining to endovascular procedures of the nervous system (61623, 61624, 61630, 61635, 61626, 61645, and 61650). We counted the number of unique providers in respective fields (neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology) who performed these procedures. Statistical analyses, including data aggregation, exploratory analysis, and propensity adjustment, were performed using R, version 4.0.1 (The R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). The two‐sided Mann‐Kendall trend test, a non‐parametric statistical test that assesses for monotonic trends in either an upward or downward trend, was utilized to assess for trends over time. Within each year analyzed, a Chi‐squared test for trend in proportions was used. A significance level of 0.05 was used. Results In 2013, neurosurgeons comprised 45% of the workforce performing these procedures, neurologists were 9%, and radiologists were 47%. By 2019, neurosurgeons decreased to 34.5% of the workforce, while neurologists increased to 21.5%, and radiologists decreased slightly to 44%. Neurologists were the only field in which the proportional shift in providers was noted to have a significant change in trajectory (p:0.04), an upward trajectory. Overall proportional differences between respective specialists were statistically significant each year (p< 0.01). Conclusions Neurologists are increasingly performing endovascular procedures. Increased communication and coordination between specialties can improve disparities in care to ensure adequate access to neurovascular care across the US.