Modern Treatment Procedure
Modern Treatment Procedure
when a blood clot blocks the brain
when a blood clot blocks the brain
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when there is a sudden blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The cause is most commonly a thrombus, or a blood clot that obstructs blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching brain tissue. This condition is referred to as a “brain thrombosis”, and it is one of the most urgent medical cases in neurology.
An ischemic stroke occurs when there is a sudden blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The cause is most commonly a thrombus, or a blood clot that obstructs blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching brain tissue. This condition is referred to as a “brain thrombosis”, and it is one of the most urgent medical cases in neurology.
Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can cause serious and permanent neurological damage. An ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, accounting for over 80% of all recorded cases.
Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can cause serious and permanent neurological damage. An ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, accounting for over 80% of all recorded cases.
Therefore, it is crucial to quickly recognize the issue and implement appropriate treatment—especially when there is the possibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy, a modern procedure that physically removes the clot and instantly restores circulation in the brain.
Therefore, it is crucial to quickly recognize the issue and implement appropriate treatment—especially when there is the possibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy, a modern procedure that physically removes the clot and instantly restores circulation in the brain.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics
How is a Thrombus in the Brain Detected?
In emergency situations, a range of diagnostic methods are used to accurately determine whether a patient has an ischemic stroke and if they are a candidate for mechanical thrombectomy:
In emergency situations, a range of diagnostic methods are used to accurately determine whether a patient has an ischemic stroke and if they are a candidate for mechanical thrombectomy:
01
CT Scan of the head
the first step in assessing the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
01
CT Scan of the head
the first step in assessing the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
02
CT Angiography
allows for precise visualization of the blockage location
02
CT Angiography
allows for precise visualization of the blockage location
03
CT Perfusion
assesses whether it is still possible to save the brain
03
CT Perfusion
assesses whether it is still possible to save the brain
04
Brain MRI
provides a detailed view of the brain and the extent of the damage
04
Brain MRI
provides a detailed view of the brain and the extent of the damage
Based on the findings, the team of doctors decides whether the patient is suitable for mechanical thrombectomy.
Based on the findings, the team of doctors decides whether the patient is suitable for mechanical thrombectomy.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics
What is Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Mechanical thrombectomy is a modern medical procedure used for patients with a large clot in a brain artery. The goal is to physically remove the clot, thereby immediately restoring blood flow and preventing further damage to brain tissue.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a modern medical procedure used for patients with a large clot in a brain artery. The goal is to physically remove the clot, thereby immediately restoring blood flow and preventing further damage to brain tissue.
This procedure is effective in cases where thrombolysis (drugs used to dissolve clots) is insufficient, or when there is a contraindication for their use.
This procedure is effective in cases where thrombolysis (drugs used to dissolve clots) is insufficient, or when there is a contraindication for their use.
Watch the video for a better understanding of mechanical thrombectomy.
Watch the video for a better understanding of mechanical thrombectomy.
What is the Procedure for Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Under local or short-term general anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in the groin and inserts a catheter into the artery.
01
Under local or short-term general anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in the groin and inserts a catheter into the artery.
01
A catheter is guided to the location of the thrombus in the blood vessel of the brain.
02
A catheter is guided to the location of the thrombus in the blood vessel of the brain.
02
The clot is "captured" using a special device – a stent retriever or an aspiration catheter.
03
The clot is "captured" using a special device – a stent retriever or an aspiration catheter.
03
The clot is then carefully extracted, restoring the normal blood flow to the brain.
04
The clot is then carefully extracted, restoring the normal blood flow to the brain.
04
The entire procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. After the procedure, the patient remains under observation in the stroke unit.
The entire procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. After the procedure, the patient remains under observation in the stroke unit.
candidates
candidates
Who can be a candidate for thrombectomy?
Thrombectomy is not intended for all patients. Certain criteria must be met:
Thrombectomy is not intended for all patients. Certain criteria must be met:
Large clot in the main cerebral arteries
Large clot in the main cerebral arteries
Large clot in the main cerebral arteries
Large clot in the main cerebral arteries
Symptoms that last less than 6 hours
Symptoms that last less than 6 hours
Symptoms that last less than 6 hours
Symptoms that last less than 6 hours
No bleeding in the brain
No bleeding in the brain
No bleeding in the brain
No bleeding in the brain
Appropriate images showing that a part of the brain can still be saved
Appropriate images showing that a part of the brain can still be saved
Appropriate images showing that a part of the brain can still be saved
Appropriate images showing that a part of the brain can still be saved
Thrombectomy is not intended for all patients. Certain criteria must be met:
Thrombectomy is not intended for all patients. Certain criteria must be met:
Speed of response saves the brain: The earlier, the better
Location
Location
Where is thrombectomy performed?
This procedure is performed exclusively in specialized clinical centers that have:
This procedure is performed exclusively in specialized clinical centers that have:
A neurologist with a highly trained team of technicians and instrument specialists
A neurologist with a highly trained team of technicians and instrument specialists
A neurologist with a highly trained team of technicians and instrument specialists
A neurologist with a highly trained team of technicians and instrument specialists
Neurological Stroke Unit
Neurological Stroke Unit
Neurological Stroke Unit
Neurological Stroke Unit
Department of Anesthesiology, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery
Department of Anesthesiology, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery
Department of Anesthesiology, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery
Department of Anesthesiology, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery
Angiosuite with the necessary equipment
Angiosuite with the necessary equipment
Angiosuite with the necessary equipment
Angiosuite with the necessary equipment
24-hour on-call duty
24-hour on-call duty
24-hour on-call duty
24-hour on-call duty
Importance
Importance
Why is mechanical thrombectomy important?
50%
Possibility of full recovery
50%
Possibility of full recovery
50%
Possibility of full recovery
12%
Reduction of mortality
12%
Reduction of mortality
12%
Reduction of mortality
12%
Reduction of mortality
18%
Reduced likelihood of disability
18%
Reduced likelihood of disability
Thanks to advancements in this field, many patients today can return to daily activities after an ischemic stroke.
Thanks to advancements in this field, many patients today can return to daily activities after an ischemic stroke.