title: [Mechanical recanalization in acute stroke. Torture or choice].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the developed world and the leading cause of disability worldwide. The present demographic development will lead to increased numbers of stroke patients in the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient selection takes place by using various computer tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging modalities. For endovascular stroke treatment a modern biplane angiography suite is recommended.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intra-arterial chemical thrombolysis was shown to be effective in achieving recanalization and improving clinical outcome. Mechanical devices were introduced in the late 1990s and the highly effective stent retriever was recently included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mechanical devices allows a recanalization rate of up to 90 % of affected brain vessels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The advantage of a stent retriever compared to other mechanical devices seems to be an improvement in good clinical outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently, the stent retriever seems to be the definitive first choice in the use of mechanical devices for intra-arterial recanalization treatment in acute ischemic stroke.
authors: Klinik für Diagnostische Radiologie und Neuroradiologie, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, Augsburg, Germany. Ansgar.berlis@klinikum-augsburg.de
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Berlis
mesh_terms: D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents; D020521:Stroke / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*