Bridging or Direct Thrombectomy in Posterior Circulation Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Key Points

• To assess the impact of IV thrombolysis prior to thrombectomy on outcomes in posterior circulation stroke patients.
• Class III evidence study design
• Population includes patients with posterior circulation stroke
• Intervention of thrombectomy following IV thrombolysis
• Functional outcomes measured at 90 days
• Mortality and hemorrhagic risk assessed
• IV thrombolysis associated with better 90-day functional outcomes
• Lower mortality observed in patients receiving IV thrombolysis
• No increase in hemorrhagic risk noted with IV thrombolysis prior to thrombectomy