Thrombectomy (Mechanical Clot Removal)

The success of the thrombectomy procedure depends entirely on speed. Brain tissue is the tissue least resistant to lack of oxygen. Ideally, intervention is mandatory within the first 6 hours (up to the first 24 hours in some special cases) after the onset of stroke (paralysis) symptoms. The earlier it is opened, the higher the chance of the paralysis reversing.

The patient is rapidly taken to the angio unit. By entering through the artery in the groin, the blocked vessel inside the brain is reached with extremely thin tubes (catheters). A special stent (stent retriever) or vacuum device (aspiration catheter) is sent to the point where the clot is. The clot gets caught in this net and is pulled back and taken out.

If the brain cells have not completely died (from lack of oxygen) during the clot's presence, miraculous scenes are frequently experienced where a patient who cannot speak or lift their arm instantly begins to recover (speak and move) on the table as soon as the vessel is opened. However, if the cells are dead, the treatment only stops the damage from growing.