Distal-first technique for posterior circulation tandem occlusion thrombectomy tied to better outcomes

In a 15-center retrospective study (n=123), thrombectomy for posterior circulation tandem occlusions achieved 88.5% successful reperfusion. A distal-first approach was independently associated with favorable 90-day functional outcome (mRS 0–3 in 47%), shorter puncture-to-reperfu…

• Multicenter retrospective analysis of 123 patients (median NIHSS 17) with posterior circulation tandem occlusion undergoing thrombectomy.
• In multivariable analysis, distal-first strategy, prestroke antithrombotic use, monitored anesthesia care, and successful reperfusion independently predicted favorable 90-day outcome (p ≤ 0.03 for each).
• Key limitations: retrospective design, selection bias inherent to treatment strategy assignment, and lack of an independent core-lab angiographic adjudication.

RadPigeon summaries are original and for information only. They are not clinical advice.