Endovascular Treatment for M3 Occlusions

Introduction: Endovascular treatment (ET) has become most well-proven beneficial treatment for the M1-2 occlusions of the middle cerebral artery. Mortality and disability rates are high if large vessel occlusions are not treated. Even if these rates are lower in M3 occlusions, the important branch blockages can end with disability. Small vessels occlusions are difficult to detect and treatment for endovascular interventions. There are few studies on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment for M3 occlusions. In this study, our aim to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of endovascular therapy for M3 occlusions. Methods: This study was conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database in two-centers for acute ischemic stroke of anterior system between July 2015 and April 2020. Demographic, radiologic, procedural variables and outcome variables were collected in patients with who were taken endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke of anterior system. Middle cerebral artery is divided into the sections according to the course and angle of the middle cerebral artery. M3 (opercular) segment of the middle cerebral artery is after the circular sulcus of the insula. Results: The complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) of m3 occlusion was achieved in 15 cases (38.5%). The complete (mTICI 3) reperfusion was achieved in 24 cases (61.5%). The complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) of the other anterior circulation occlusion was achieved in 129 cases (65.9%) while the complete (mTICI 3) reperfusion was achieved in 50 cases (27%). Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrates the ability of endovascularly treatment of M3 occlusions as effective, reliable and cost-effective. Funding Information: None. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board with a waiver of informed consent.