Factors Affecting Functional Outcomes and Mortality After Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusions: Recanalization Time and Collateral Scoring

Objective: There is still insufficient evidence in the current guidelines for the endovascular treatment (EVT) of basilar artery occlusions (BAO). This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the functional outcomes and mortality of patients after basilar artery thrombectomy at 3 months.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the clinical, radiological, and interventional procedural features of 22 patients who underwent basilar artery thrombectomy in our stroke center between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to their 3-month mortality and morbidity, and they were evaluated in terms of the statistical significance of comorbidity, BAO level and collateral status, symptom recanalization time, and general anesthesia status.
Results: In the patient group with the highest 3-month mortality rate, the symptom recanalization time was found to be significantly longer (P = 0.034), whereas in the patient group with high posterior cerebral system collateral scores, 3-month functional outcomes were found to be significantly improved (P = 0.022).
Conclusion: In the EVT of BAOs, the mortality rate of patients increases as the recanalization time increases, and patients with higher posterior cerebral system collateral scores are more likely to benefit from the basilar artery thrombectomy procedure.