Anterior circulation stroke mechanical thrombectomy with transradial balloon guide catheter: Single-center pilot study

Objectives: This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) through transradial access (TRA) for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with anterior circulation strokes.

Methods: A retrospective case series of patients who underwent MT using BGC through TRA for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation was conducted. Data collected included procedural times (from puncture to revascularization), technical success, complication rates, and clinical outcomes. Patients' baseline characteristics, stroke severity, and post-procedural outcomes were also analyzed.

Results: Thirty patients were included, with a mean age of 64.4 ± 13.6 years. The median admission NIHSS score was 13, and 17 % received intravenous thrombolysis before thrombectomy. Right-sided occlusions were more frequent (57 %). TRA was successful in 27 patients (90 %), with 3 (10 %) requiring conversion to femoral access. The median puncture-to-revascularization time was 32 minutes, and first-pass revascularization was achieved in 40 % of cases. A favorable TICI 2b or higher was accomplished in 97 %, with no access site complications. Hemorrhagic conversion occurred in 20 %, including one symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (3 %). At discharge, 57 % of patients had favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2), and by 90 days, 54 % achieved functional independence, with a mortality rate of 3 %.

Conclusion: This case series highlights the feasibility of using BGC through TRA in MT for anterior circulation strokes, demonstrating promising safety and efficiency. Future multicenter studies with larger cohorts are necessary to compare clinical outcomes of TRA versus transfemoral access and guide standardized protocols for stroke interventions.