Predictors of futile recanalization in nonagenarians treated with mechanical thrombectomy: a multi-center observational study

Abstract Background There is a lack of data regarding patients aged 90 years or older undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and their predictors of futile recanalization. Aims We sought to evaluate the predictors of futile recanalization in patients ≥ 90 years with large vessel occlusion undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Methods This multi-center observational retrospective study included patients ≥ 90 years consecutively treated with mechanical thrombectomy in four thrombectomy capable centers between January 1st, 2016 and 30th March 2023. Futile recanalization was defined as large vessel occlusion patients experiencing a 90-day poor outcome (mRS 3–6) despite successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b) after mechanical thrombectomy. Results Our cohort included 139 patients ≥ 90 years with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy. One hundred seventeen of one hundred thirty-nine patients ≥ 90 years who achieved successful recanalization were included in the analysis (seventy-six female (64.9%)), of whom thirty-one (26.49%) experienced effective recanalization and eighty-six (73.51%) experienced futile recanalization. Patients with futile recanalization had higher NIHSS on admission ( p < 0.001); they were less frequently treated with intravenous thrombolysis ( p = 0.048), had more often general anesthesia ( p = 0.011), and longer door to groin puncture delay ( p = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis showed that use of intravenous thrombolysis (0.29, 95% CI 0.02–0.79, p = 0.034) and site of occlusion distal vs proximal (0.34, 95% CI 0.11–0.97, p = 0.044) were associated with reduced probability of futile recanalization while NIHSS on admission (1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.45, p < 0.001), NIHSS at 24 h (1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.25, p = 0.002), type of anesthesia used (4.18, 95% CI 1.57–11.08, p = 0.004), and door to groin puncture time (1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p = 0.005) were associated with increased probability of futile recanalization. Multivariable regression analysis showed that use of intravenous thrombolysis (0.44, 95% CI 0.09–0.88, p = 0.039) was associated with reduced probability of futile recanalization. Conclusion Our study seems to suggest that mechanical thrombectomy with intravenous thrombolysis is associated with reduced probability of futile recanalization in a multi-center cohort of patients aged 90 years or older.