PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - K.A. Yaeger AU - J.T. Fifi AU - J. Lara-Reyna AU - C. Rossitto AU - T. Ladner AU - B. Yim AU - T. Hardigan AU - G.A. Maragkos AU - T. Shigematsu AU - S. Majidi AU - J. Mocco TI - Initial Stroke Thrombectomy Experience in New York City during the COVID-19 Pandemic AID - 10.3174/ajnr.A6652 DP - 2020 Jul 02 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2020/07/02/ajnr.A6652.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2020/07/02/ajnr.A6652.full AB - SUMMARY: 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.COVID-19coronavirus 2019ELVOemergent large-vessel occlusionPPEpersonal protective equipmentPUIpatients under investigation for COVID-19