Current status and future aspects of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

The efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion was established in 2015 for early-presenting stroke, and in 2018 for late-presenting stroke. Imaging-based patient selection and the shortened time from onset to reperfusion are essential for improving the outcome of mechanical thrombectomy. The next targets of mechanical thrombectomy include patients with basilar artery occlusions and those with a large ischemic core. Moreover, adjunctive therapies with new thrombolytic or neuroprotective drugs are expected. Furthermore, the establishment of a stroke care system is a pressing issue to increase the use of mechanical thrombectomy in clinical settings.