Studying the Impact of Mechanical Thrombectomy on Patient Outcomes at a Small Stroke Center in Norway

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of introducing mechanical thrombectomy at a limited-volume stroke center in South-East Norway. This observational study focuses on patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke and aims to assess whether the new local thrombectomy service reduces patient morbidity and mortality. The study is guided by a national quality assurance program that includes simulation-based training to maintain high standards despite the centers smaller patient volume. The intervention involves comparing stroke patients who receive thrombectomy either at the local hospital or at a more distant comprehensive center. The local center uses a simulation-based quality program involving stroke team simulation and virtual reality task training to support skill development and procedural quality. The study will monitor timelines related to stroke onset, hospital arrival, and thrombectomy procedure, as well as technical outcomes and complication rates associated with the treatment. Participants will be observed for outcomes including mortality, morbidity, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within specific time frames after treatment. The primary outcomes are measured at three months post-treatment, while secondary outcomes include time intervals and technical success measured up to 24 hours, and simulation training performance tracked over five years. This study provides ongoing quality monitoring and aims to share results that may benefit stroke care practices globally. Overall participation and follow-up can last up to five years for training observations.

Establishing Mechanical Thrombectomy at a Limited-volume Stroke Center - Effects on Patient Morbidity and Mortality