One limitation of the study is that most participants were enrolled at endovascular centers that could implement efficient workflow and imaging processes. “This level of efficiency and expertise is not currently widespread, which limits the immediate generalizability of our results,” said Dr. Hill.
“Key reasons for the success of the trial were, firstly, selecting appropriate patients using novel imaging technology; secondly, better organization and workflow to expedite treatment; and thirdly, use of modern technology to open the blood vessels,” said Mayank Goyal, MD, Professor of Radiology and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary and one of the investigators. The ESCAPE trial also had a lower rate of general anesthesia and a higher rate of successful reperfusion, compared with previous trials of endovascular treatment for stroke. “We believe that with the combined results from this trial and other trials, this [treatment] will become the standard of care.”
—Erik Greb