Mechanical thrombectomy is a medical procedure used to treat ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks the blood supply to the brain. This procedure is typically performed when there is a blockage in a large blood vessel in the brain. Ischemic stroke is considered a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent brain damage. The effectiveness of treatments may decrease if too much time has passed since the onset of stroke symptoms. Thus, seeking prompt medical attention is essential, even if the exact time of symptom onset is unknown.

Before undergoing a mechanical thrombectomy, it is important to inform the healthcare provider about various aspects of your medical history, including any allergies, medications (including blood thinners, heart medicines, vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter drugs), anesthetic medicine experiences, bleeding problems, past surgeries, medical conditions, and pregnancy status.

Mechanical thrombectomy is generally a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks. Potential complications may include bleeding, including bleeding at the site of the stroke or catheter insertion area, allergic reactions to medicines or dyes, infection, damage to other structures or organs, rupture of the blood vessel containing the clot, and the risk of another stroke or worsening of the existing one.

Before the procedure, a CT scan or MRI of the brain may be performed to assess the extent of the stroke. A physical examination and detailed medical history will also be conducted. Additionally, the surgery site will be marked, and steps to prevent infection may be taken, such as removing hair at the surgical site, washing the skin with germ-killing soap, and administering antibiotic medicine. In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy may be combined with intravenous (IV) medicines that dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics), which may be given during the procedure.

The mechanical thrombectomy procedure involves inserting a long, thin tube (catheter) into a vein. The patient may be given sedatives, local anesthetics, or general anesthetics for comfort during the procedure. The catheter is then advanced up to the affected blood clot causing the stroke, using X-ray guided imaging to locate the precise spot in the brain. A wire-like basket (stent retriever) or suction device is used with the catheter to remove the blood clot. In some cases, a balloon or other device may be inserted into the affected blood vessel to help keep it open. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed, and a bandage (dressing) is placed over the insertion site.

After the mechanical thrombectomy procedure, patients are closely monitored by the healthcare team in an intensive care unit or stroke unit. Evaluations by speech, physical, or occupational therapists may also be conducted. Patients may experience bruising, soreness, and swelling at the catheter insertion site following the treatment.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a medical procedure used to open a blocked blood vessel that caused an ischemic stroke. It is vital to treat an ischemic stroke as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms to minimize brain damage. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the affected artery to remove the blood clot using advanced imaging techniques. After the procedure, close monitoring and post-treatment evaluations are conducted to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.