Semi-automated measurement of vascular tortuosity and its implications for mechanical thrombectomy performance

Purpose Few studies have examined the geometry of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy pathways. Here we examine the tortuosity and angulations of catheter pathways from the aortic arch to the termination of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and its association with thrombectomy performance. Methods We included 100 consecutive anterior circulation large vessel occlusion thrombectomy patients over 12 months. Computed tomography angiograms (CTA) were used for 3D segmentation of catheter pathway from the aortic arch to ICA termination. Tortuosity index (TI) and angulations of the catheter pathway were measured in a semi-automated fashion. TI and angulation degree were compared between sides and correlated with age and procedural measures. Results We analyzed 188 catheter pathways in 100 patients. Severe angulation (<= 30 degrees) was present in 5.8% and 39.4% of common carotid artery (CCA) and extracranial ICA segments, respectively. Five pathways (2.6%) had 360 degrees loop. CCA and extracranial ICA tortuosity had a weak but significant correlation with age (r= 0.17, 0.21,pvalue = 0.05, 0.02 respectively), time from groin puncture to the site of occlusion (r= 0.29, 0.25,pvalues = 0.008, 0.026 respectively), and fluoroscopy time (r= 0.022, 0.31,pvalues = 0.016, 0.001 respectively). There was a significant difference in the pattern of angulation (pvalue = 0.04) and tortuosity between right and left side in CCA segment (TI = 0.20 +/- 0.086 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.82,pvalue < 0.001). Conclusions There was a significant difference in CCA angulation between right and left sides. TI of extracranial CCA and ICA correlated with age and influenced time from groin puncture to the occlusion site and total fluoroscopy time.

Automated summary

This study examined the geometry of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy pathways in 100 anterior circulation large vessel occlusion patients. The findings showed that there were significant differences in angulation between right and left sides in the common carotid artery, and tortuosity correlated weakly with age, influencing procedural timing.