A meta-analysis of observational intra-arterial stroke therapy studies using the Merci device, Penumbra system, and retrievable stents

The time from arterial puncture to successful recanalization is an important milestone toward timely recanalization. With the significant improvement in recanalization rates by using thrombectomy devices, procedural time to recanalization is becoming a determinant factor in choosing among available devices. We aimed to assess the impact of time to recanalization on the outcome of intra-arterial stroke therapies. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies reporting procedural times in patients with stroke treated with the MD, PS, and RS. We identified 16 eligible studies: 4 on the MD (n = 357), 8 on the PS (n = 455), and 4 on RS (n = 113). Merci device studies described total procedural duration, while PS and RS studies described puncture-to-recanalization times. With a random-effects model, mean procedural duration for the MD was 120 minutes (95% CI, 105.7-134.2 minutes). Mean puncture to recanalization time for the PS was 64.6 minutes (95% CI, 44.4-84.8 minutes) and 54.7 minutes for RS (95% CI, 47.3-62.2 minutes). Successful recanalization was achieved in 211 of 357 patients (59.1%) in the MD studies (95% CI, 49.3-77.7), 394 of 455 (86.6%) in the PS studies (95% CI, 84.1-93.8), and 105 of 113 (92.9%) in the RS studies (95% CI, 90.9-99.9). Functional independence (mRS ≤2) was achieved in 31.5% of patients in the MD studies, 36.6% in the PS studies, and 46.9% in the RS studies. The use of the PS and RS was associated with comparable procedural time to recanalization. Available data did not allow this parameter to be determined for trials using the MD. Retrievable stents achieved the highest rate of successful recanalization and functional outcome and the lowest mortality.