What is Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that uses a device to remove blood clots from a blocked blood vessel, is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It still remains, however, severely underutilized in 2023.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and the majority of strokes are caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. In the past, the primary treatment for acute ischemic stroke was the administration of clot-busting drugs, such as tPA, which can dissolve blood clots. However, these drugs are not always effective and can have serious side effects.
Mechanical thrombectomy, on the other hand, uses a specialized device, such as a stent retriever or an aspiration catheter, to physically remove the blood clot. This procedure has been shown to be highly effective in restoring blood flow to the brain and improving patient outcomes.
Recent studies have demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy, when performed within 6 hours of symptom onset, can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of disability. In fact, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association now recommend mechanical thrombectomy as the standard of care for eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Why is Mechanical Thrombectomy Underutilized?
Despite the growing evidence supporting mechanical thrombectomy, the procedure is still underutilized. One of the main challenges is that mechanical thrombectomy requires specialized equipment and trained personnel, making it difficult for some hospitals and clinics to offer the procedure. Additionally, many patients are not referred to stroke centers quickly enough to be eligible for mechanical thrombectomy.
To improve the utilization of mechanical thrombectomy, it is essential to increase awareness of the procedure among healthcare professionals and the public. Efforts should also be made to ensure that all hospitals and clinics have access to the necessary equipment and trained personnel to perform the procedure.
In conclusion, mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke that can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of disability. With the growing evidence supporting its use, it is important to increase awareness of the procedure and ensure that it is available to all patients who may benefit from it.
Corazon, Inc. has an extensive history of planning and implementing thrombectomy-capable stroke centers across the country. Contact the Service Line Experts today to take your Stroke Program to the next level of performance!
For further stroke-related information from Corazon, download one of our many stroke care webinars!
