Abstract
Abstract only Introduction: The advent of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke has reduced the overall ICU length of stay (LoS), especially for patients undergoing successful reperfusion. Prolonged ICU LoS is reported to be associated with worse clinical outcomes, but factors associated with prolonged LoS after MT are not established. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 499 patients undergoing EVT at a single large comprehensive stroke center from January 2015 to May 2020 was performed. Demographics, procedure variables, ICU LoS, ICU complications, and modified Rankin scale at discharge were collected. Multiple regression was used to identify independent variables affecting the ICU LoS. Additional analysis using t-test assuming unequal variances was performed for select variables. Results: The median age was 72 [61-82], 254 (51%) male & median NIHSS was 16 [10-20]. The average door-to-puncture time was 104 ±28 mins and the average procedure time 43.9 ±28.7. General anesthesia (GA) was administered in 257 (51%) patients. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2c-3) was achieved in 334 (67%) patients. Median ICU LoS was 3 days [1-5]. Patients with mRS 0-2 at discharge (33%) had shorter ICU LoS (2.8 vs 5.7, P<0.001). ASPECTS < 7 (6.9 vs 4.6, P=0.03), use of GA (6.2 vs 3.3 days, P<0.001) and ICU complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and pneumonia (10 vs 4 days; p <0.001) significantly increased the ICU LoS. Successful reperfusion significantly reduced ICU LoS (4.2 vs 5.8 days, p=0.015). After adjusting for age, sex, baseline NIHSS and ASPECTS, both the procedure time (b= 0.03, P=0.02) and final TICI score (b= -0.76, P=0.001) were independently associated with prolonged ICU LoS (R2=0.1, F=4, P<0.001). Conclusion: Pre-procedural factors such as poor ASPECTS (< 7), procedural factors such as the use of GA, prolonged procedure time, and TICI 0-2b reperfusion, and ICU complications such as pneumonia and PE are associated with prolonged ICU LoS.