Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

AbstractPurpose of reviewEndovascular thrombectomy (ET), the standard of treatment for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) strokes, has been subject to rigorous efforts to further improve its usage and delivery for optimised patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an outline and discussion about the recently established and emerging recommendations regarding endovascular treatment of stroke.Recent findingsThe indications for ET have expanded continually, with perfusion imaging now enabling selection of patients presenting 6 –24 h after last-known-well, and improved device and operator proficiency allowing treatment of M2-MCA occlusions and tandem occlusions. Further inclusion of paediatric patients and patients with larger infarct core or milder stroke symptoms for ET has been proposed; however, this remains unprove n. This growing applicability is supported by more efficient systems of care, employing modern techniques such as telemedicine, mobile stroke units and helicopter medical services. Ongoing debate exists regarding thrombolytic agent, thrombectomy technique, anaesthesia method and the role of advanced neuroimaging, with upcoming RCTs expected to provide clarification.SummaryThe journey to further improving the efficacy of ET has advanced and diversified rapidly over recent years, involving improved patient selection, increased utility of advanced neuroimaging and ongoing device redevelopment, within the setting of more efficient, streamlined systems of c...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research