Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Updates and Future Implications

Abstract

Stroke constitutes the primary cause of acquired disability in adults and is a second leading cause of death worldwide. The low recanalization rate after intravenous thrombolysis calls for an alternate therapy for acute ischemic stroke. The methodology for endovascular treatment has evolved greatly over the past two decades. The past 6 months have seen great progress in this area, with several randomized clinical trials all proving the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment. Three key factors are important for good functional outcome after endovascular treatment: fast imaging to prove proximal occlusion and to exclude large infarct core, using mainly the stent retriever thrombectomy devices and establishing an efficient workflow to achieve fast reperfusion. Although positive results of RCTs are encouraging and bring what is urgently needed in the field, transforming these positive results into clinical practice will be both a challenge and opportunity of the next 5 years. It will need hard work, leadership and cooperation of all members involved in the chain of treating a stroke patient. In the wake of these positive trials, hospitals and professional organizations are working together to save every minute when fighting against this devastating disease.