Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke: Are There New Lessons to Learn?

Amie L Hoefnagel

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT), along with administration of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are standard of care for treatment for patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). With the rapid advancements in both stroke intervention techniques, and patient selection, it is important determine if there are differences in clinical outcome between the use of general anesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation (SED). It remains unclear if GA by itself is a risk factor for poorer clinical outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.