Intra-arterial Urokinase After Incomplete Mechanical Thrombectomy

Complete and rapid revascularization can dramatically reduce disability after large-vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS). With modern mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we now have a safe and effective method to recanalize occluded cerebral vessels, and in this issue of JAMA Neurology, Kaesmacher et al move the field 1 step closer to achieving the goal of complete revascularization. Cohort studies have demonstrated that even among patients who achieve substantial reperfusion, defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 2b or greater, those who achieve the highest grades of reperfusion have quantifiably improved outcomes, but only a minority are able to achieve these highest grades. As such, one of the primary targets for improvement in MT is finding reliable means of achieving near-perfect reperfusion.
Source: JAMA Neurology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research