Initial Stroke Thrombectomy Experience in New York City during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 1357 - 1360
• Main Authors: Yaeger, K A, Fifi, J T, Lara-Reyna, J, Rossitto, C, Ladner, T, Yim, B, Hardigan, T, Maragkos, G A, Shigematsu, T, Majidi, S, Mocco, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society of Neuroradiology 01-08-2020
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections - complications; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Interventional; Male; Middle Aged; New York City; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - complications; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Reperfusion; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Stroke - etiology; Stroke - surgery; Thrombectomy; Treatment Outcome; New York City
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X
• DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A6652

New York City has become the global epicenter of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite a massive shift in health care resources, cerebrovascular disease continues to be a substantial burden. We review the first 10 patients undergoing thrombectomy following a series of governmental and institutional policy changes diverting resources to the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Ten patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion underwent thrombectomy between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Five patients tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 9 of 10 patients, at a median time of 37 minutes from vascular access. The postprocedural NIHSS score improved by an average of 7.7 points. Of the 5 patients positive for COVID-19, none have experienced a critical respiratory illness. We report the early incidence of COVID-19 positivity in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion and demonstrate that thrombectomy continues to be an efficacious option, as well as safe for health care providers.