Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Some Answers, More Questions

Two randomized controlled trials suggest benefits for some patients, but with many caveats.

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a type of ischemic stroke associated with a high rate of death or severe disability. Although endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has demonstrated value for select patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation, the role of EVT is questionable for patients with posterior-circulation LVO. Two new studies, both conducted in China, provide some additional information on the role of EVT for BAO.

In ATTENTION, 340 patients (mean age, 67 years; 68% men) with moderate-to-severe stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≥10) were enrolled within 12 hours of stroke onset and randomized 2:1 to EVT or medical therapy alone. Patients with preexisting disability and those with extensive ischemic changes on brain…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Some Answers, More Questions

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Reviewing Author