Mechanical Thrombectomy: New Era of Stent Retriever

Abstract

In the previous chapters, the intravenous (IV) as well as intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been discussed. In this chapter, we will move on to discuss mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy has been around for over a decade now. There have been tremendous advances in the device technology over this time. We will discuss briefly mechanical thrombectomy and its evolution over the last few years especially in the field of stent technology in mechanical thrombectomy for AIS. We will then briefly discuss the current evidence for mechanical thrombectomy in AIS and then move on to discuss the general principles and the technique and practical considerations of stent retriever thrombectomy. The words ``mechanical thrombectomy'' and ``endovascular thrombectomy'' are used interchangeably in this chapter.