RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Initial Stroke Thrombectomy Experience in New York City during the COVID-19 Pandemic
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A6652
A1 K.A. Yaeger
A1 J.T. Fifi
A1 J. Lara-Reyna
A1 C. Rossitto
A1 T. Ladner
A1 B. Yim
A1 T. Hardigan
A1 G.A. Maragkos
A1 T. Shigematsu
A1 S. Majidi
A1 J. Mocco
YR 2020
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2020/07/02/ajnr.A6652.abstract
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