Use of heparinized saline flush during endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke; a survey of clinical practice in the Netherlands

Background and introduction: Information about optimal use of heparin in flush fluids during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is lacking. Variables that determine total heparin dose entering the patient by flush fluids are mostly unknown. We aim to provide insight in these unknown but highly relevant variables.Methods and results: We performed a survey including all Dutch interventionists performing EVT (n = 79) collecting data on used concentration of heparin in infusion bags, number of infusion bags connected, timing of connecting the flush line and the drippin... Mehr ...