The success rate of mechanical thrombectomy, specifically in achieving successful recanalization, is 70%.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a crucial treatment modality for acute large vessel occlusion, aiming to restore blood flow to the brain by physically removing the clot. This high success rate indicates the effectiveness of the procedure in clearing blocked vessels.
Understanding Successful Recanalization
Successful recanalization refers to the restoration of blood flow within an occluded blood vessel. For stroke patients, achieving recanalization quickly is vital to minimize brain damage.
- Mechanism: Mechanical thrombectomy involves inserting a catheter into the occluded artery, guiding a device (like a stent retriever or aspiration catheter) to the clot, and then removing it to open the vessel.
- Impact: A successful recanalization leads to improved neurological outcomes and reduced disability for patients experiencing ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.
Comparison with Intravenous Thrombolysis
While mechanical thrombectomy demonstrates a significant success rate, it's also important to consider other treatment options for acute large vessel occlusion, such as intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). IVT involves administering clot-dissolving medication intravenously.
| Treatment Modality | Success Rate (Successful Recanalization) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Thrombectomy | 70% | A direct intervention to physically remove a blood clot from a large brain artery, offering a high rate of successful vessel opening. |
| Intravenous Thrombolysis | 6% to 30% | Administration of medication to dissolve blood clots. While effective in some cases, its recanalization success rate for large vessel occlusions is generally lower compared to mechanical thrombectomy, often used as a bridging therapy or in cases where mechanical thrombectomy is not immediately available. |
The higher recanalization rate of mechanical thrombectomy underscores its significance in modern stroke treatment, particularly for patients with large vessel occlusions. Studies often investigate whether initial treatment with intravenous thrombolysis provides additional benefits to patients who then undergo mechanical thrombectomy.
