The combined use of mechanical thrombectomy devices is feasible for treating acute carotid terminus occlusion

Mechanical thrombectomy devices have recently been developed and approved for recanalization of intracranial arterial occlusion. Here, we investigated the feasibility of combined stent-assisted and clot aspiration mechanical thrombectomy for effective recanalization of acute carotid terminus occlusion (CTO). Ten consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to CTO who underwent intra-arterial (IA) treatment with both stent retrieval and negative-pressured clot aspiration systems were enrolled. Periprocedural and radiologic findings and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The median age was 69 years (range, 47–86 years), and the median initial NIHSS score was 17.5 (range, 12–33). Mechanical thrombectomy was performed using a combination of the Solitaire stents and Penumbra system. Thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia [TICI] grade II–III was achieved in eight patients (80.0 %); complete recanalization of the CTO (TICI III) was achieved in three of those patients. Any type of intracranial hemorrhages occurred in four patients (40.0 %), but parenchymal hematoma type 2 was not observed. Four patients died within 3 months (40.0 %). Combined mechanical thrombectomy treatment was effective for recanalization of acute CTO. The combination of Solitaire and Penumbra devices can be considered as a treatment option for CTO.