Current trends in antiplatelet strategies for emergent carotid stenting in acute tandem occlusions: a web-based, nationwide survey in the Italian neurovascular community

BackgroundAlthough a benefit from mechanical thrombectomy has been proven, the best treatment strategy for tandem occlusions (TOs) remains unclear. We conducted a survey that aimed to investigate the trends of pharmacological strategy in the setting of emergent carotid stenting for TOs in the Italian neuro-endovascular community.MethodsWe administered a 13-multiple choice-questions survey to the Chiefs of the centers participating to the Italian Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke (IRETAS), focused on the technical aspects and on the management of the antiplatelet therapy for emergent carotid tenting in TOs. An internal coherence control was performed by the coordinating investigator.ResultsWe obtained responses from 56/66 centers (84.8%). The main results of the survey showed that most of the center treat TOs using a retrograde approach, deploying a closed-cell stent. A single antiplatelet therapy is preferred at the moment of the deployment of the stent.ConclusionsThis survey showed that the current practice regarding the acute management of TOs, in particular the antiplatelet therapy, remains heterogeneous in the Italian neurovascular community. Specific evidences are urgently needed in order to achieve a consensus on the acute management of TOs.