Transarterial embolectomy in acute stroke.
OBJECTIVE
An embolus causing cerebral ischemia is a major cause of death and disability, and the search for methods to reestablish blood flow is of major importance. A technique for the emergent primary treatment of cerebral emboli causing stroke is presented in detail.


METHODS
The method developed implies the mechanical extraction of the embolus with a standard vascular retrieval snare via the endovascular route without the use of thrombolytic agents.


RESULTS
Five consecutive patients were treated to extract an embolus. All patients had substantial improvement in their clinical status. No revascularization hemorrhages occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
In this small series, the embolectomy method described was reproducible, rapid, and safe. It may offer an alternative to other methods of vascular recanalization.
Wikholm
Gunnar
G
Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002536:Cerebral Arteries; D017128:Embolectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology*