What Is Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain. It is an established treatment for ischemic stroke, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to brain tissue due to a clot.

Unlike intravenous thrombolysis (IV tPA), which is effective only within a limited time window, the mechanical thrombectomy procedure can be performed up to 24 hours after symptom onset in selected patients, based on advanced brain imaging and clinical assessment.

• Why it matters:Stroke causes rapid brain cell damage. Early restoration of blood flow through mechanical thrombectomy can reduce brain injury and improve neurological outcomes.

Who Is Eligible for Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedure?

A patient may be considered for the mechanical thrombectomy procedure if they:

• Have a large vessel ischemic stroke
• Reach a stroke-ready hospital within 6 to 24 hours of symptom onset
• Show salvageable brain tissue on CT or MRI Imaging
• Are evaluated by a neurologist or neurointervention specialist

Eligibility depends on imaging findings and clinical status, rather than time alone.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedure: Step by Step

1. Vascular Access
   A thin catheter is inserted through the artery in the groin or wrist and guided towards the brain.
2. Navigation to the Clot 
   Using real-time imaging, the catheter is carefully advanced to the site of the arterial blockage.
3. Clot Removal
   Specialized devices such as stent retrievers or aspiration catheters are used to capture and remove the clot.
4. Restoration of Blood Flow
   Angiography confirms the reopening of the blocked vessel and restoration of cerebral blood flow.
5. Post-Procedural Care
   Patients are monitored in a critical care unit, followed by medical management and stroke rehabilitation as needed.

Benefits of Mechanical Thrombectomy

Clinical studies and real-world experience show that patients undergoing this procedure may experience:

• Faster neurological improvement
• Higher likelihood of functional independence at 90 days
• Reduced extent of brain damage
• Improved outcomes when combined with IV thrombolysis in eligible cases

Risks and Limitations

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks:

Potential Risks

• Intracranial bleeding
• Injury to blood vessels
• Fragmentation of migration of clots

Limitations

• Requires advanced neurointerventional facilities
• Not suitable if irreversible brain damage has occurred
• Needs close post-procedure monitoring and rehabilation support

Real-World Impact

“We treated a patient who presented with sudden speech loss and paralysis on one side. Following mechanical thrombectomy, neurological improvement was seen within hours, with early mobilization possible the next day.”

– Dr. Aravinth Kumar A, Senior Neurologist, MGM Healthcare Malar

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Chennai

Mechanical thrombectomy requires a coordinated stroke care system that includes rapid imaging, experienced specialists, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

MGM Healthcare Malar provides:

• Round-the-clock stroke evaluation
• Advanced CT and MRI Imaging
• Multidisciplinary rehabilitation support

Visit: MGM Neurosciences Department

Call: 099625 99933

Final Thoughts

The mechanical thrombectomy procedure has significantly changed the management of acute ischemic stroke. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical evaluation are essential for improving outcomes. Patients and families seeking timely stroke assessment may contact the care team to understand the next steps.