Recanalization of basilar artery occlusion during inter-hospital transfer for thrombectomy.

Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and a large vessel occlusion admitted to non-endovascular capable centers frequently require inter-hospital transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for thrombectomy. Data regarding arterial recanalization of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) during transfer are lacking.

Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected data of acute stroke patients with BAO transferred for consideration of thrombectomy to three CSCs (Rothschild Hospital, France; Montpellier Hospital, France; Stanford Hospital, USA) between 2016 and 2024, with arterial imaging at the referring hospital and on CSC arrival.