Transarterial embolectomy in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 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. CONCLUSION In this small series, the embolectomy method described was reproducible, rapid, and safe. It may offer an alternative to other methods of vascular recanalization.