Therapeutic Advancements in the Endovascular Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is the major cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Acute ischemic stroke is responsible for ∼85% of all strokes, with 24% to 46% attributable to large‐vessel occlusion, which are typically associated with worse outcomes. Although the initial efforts to develop endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke took place over 6 decades ago, critical gaps in device technology and treatment selection existed, resulting in 3 failed randomized clinical trials published in 2013. Fortunately, devices and techniques have dramatically evolved over the past decade, leading to significant improvements in the safety, speed, and completeness of reperfusion. Since 2015, a total of 9 randomized trials have consistently demonstrated an overwhelming benefit to endovascular reperfusion. In this article, we will review the evolution of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke, including the technical and technological advances as well as the perspectives in terms of patient selection and procedural and clinical outcomes of the landmark past and recent trials.