Mechanical embolectomy

Cerebral artery occlusion is caused by an embolus detached from atherosclerotic plaque in the vessel wall (or directly from the heart). It can be removed by accessing the arterial bed. The operation is performed by an interventional radiologist, an anaesthetist is always present. From the locally anaesthetized puncture in the groin, catheters (long, thin tubes) are inserted into the femoral artery and gradually pushed towards the place in the brain where the blood clot is wedged in a smaller cerebral artery. The embolus is evacuated or captured using special catheters, extracted from the cerebral arteries to the groin and then out of the body. This operation is indicated for selected patients with acute ischemic strokes, for whom intravenous thrombolysis cannot be provided or when we anticipate its insufficient efficacy. Successful timely renewal of flow in cerebral blood vessels is essential for good ischemic stroke treatment results, and mechanical embolectomy is one of the best efficient method.