Jaw Elevation Device: Tool for Neck Immobilization to Facilitate Recovery in Endovascular Thrombectomy via Transcervical Access.

Abstract

Acute stroke resolution via endovascular thrombectomy requires transcarotid access when transfemoral access is not possible. Although postoperative complications such as cervical hematoma and airway compression have been reported, an appropriate postprocedural management is largely unknown yet. We aim to provide new insights and learning points from our experience using the Jaw Elevation Device (JED) as a tool to facilitate recovery post surgery. A 79-year-old female underwent endovascular thrombectomy via transcervical, transcarotid access for a left internal carotid artery occlusion. No intraprocedural complications were reported. After successful thrombectomy, manual compression was applied in the carotid artery, and to achieve neck immobilization a JED was used for 4 hours after the procedure. No complications occurred. JED appears to be a reasonable option to facilitate patient recovery due to its capacity to maintain the airway, provide mild compression for hemostasis, and prevent cervical hematoma through a comfortable neck immobilization.