Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with over 13 million people suffering from stroke each year. Until recently, the main treatment for stroke has been thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. However, tPA has a limited time window for administration and is associated with a risk of bleeding. In recent years, a new treatment called endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) has emerged as a breakthrough in stroke treatment, offering a more effective and safe option for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke.
Endovascular clot retrieval, also known as mechanical thrombectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots that have formed within blood vessels, particularly those within the brain. The procedure involves the use of a catheter and specialized medical devices to remove the clot and restore blood flow to the affected area. Despite being a relatively new treatment modality, endovascular clot retrieval has shown significant promise in improving the outcomes of patients suffering from ischemic stroke and other forms of vascular occlusion.
One of the most significant benefits of endovascular clot retrieval is the reduced risk of complications associated with traditional surgical procedures. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients typically experience less pain and have a shorter recovery time than they would with open surgery. Additionally, the risk of infection and other complications is significantly reduced, making endovascular clot retrieval a safer and more effective treatment option for many patients.
Another advantage of endovascular clot retrieval is its ability to target specific areas of the brain, allowing for more precise and effective treatment. Because the catheter and medical devices used in the procedure are designed to navigate the narrow and complex blood vessels within the brain, doctors can precisely target the clot and remove it without damaging surrounding tissue. This level of precision is not possible with traditional surgical procedures, making endovascular clot retrieval a highly effective treatment option for patients with complex or hard-to-reach clots.
ECR, also known as mechanical thrombectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves threading a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin up to the brain, where a stent retriever is used to remove the clot that caused the stroke. This procedure can be performed up to 24 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms and has been shown to be more effective than tPA in selected patients with LVO stroke.
Besides,stent retriever can achieve faster and more complete recanalization of the occluded vessel, which leads to better outcomes for patients. Studies have shown that ECR can achieve successful recanalization in up to 90% of patients with LVO stroke, compared to only 30-40% with tPA alone. This means that more patients can achieve functional independence and return to their normal activities after a stroke.
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of endovascular stent retrieval is the positive impact it can have on the lives of patients and their families. By quickly and effectively removing blood clots from the brain, endovascular clot retrieval can prevent the onset of serious complications, including permanent brain damage and death. This can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and reduce the burden on their family and caregivers.
Despite its many benefits, endovascular clot retrieval is not without its limitations. Like all medical procedures, there is a risk of complications, including bleeding and infection. Patients must also meet certain criteria to be eligible for the procedure, and not all patients will experience the same level of benefits.
All in all, endovascular clot retrieval is a highly promising treatment option for patients with ischemic stroke and other forms of vascular occlusion. By enabling doctors to quickly and safely remove blood clots from the brain, endovascular clot retrieval can significantly improve the outcomes of patients and their families. While there are limitations and risks associated with the procedure, its many benefits make it an important tool in the fight against stroke and other vascular diseases.