Therapy
Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy removes a blood clot from a brain artery during a stroke, restoring blood flow and limiting brain damage.
Quick answer
Mechanical Thrombectomy: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency procedure that uses a catheter passed through an artery to physically remove a clot blocking a large brain artery during an ischaemic (clot-caused) stroke.
- Why it is done: It is used for strokes caused by a clot in a large artery, within a limited time window, to reopen the vessel and save brain tissue, greatly improving the chance of recovery for suitable patients.
- What happens: Under sedation or general anaesthetic, a catheter is guided from an artery in the groin up to the blocked brain artery under X-ray, and the clot is grabbed and pulled out with a special device.
What it is
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency procedure that uses a catheter passed through an artery to physically remove a clot blocking a large brain artery during an ischaemic (clot-caused) stroke.
Why it is done
It is used for strokes caused by a clot in a large artery, within a limited time window, to reopen the vessel and save brain tissue, greatly improving the chance of recovery for suitable patients.
What happens
Under sedation or general anaesthetic, a catheter is guided from an artery in the groin up to the blocked brain artery under X-ray, and the clot is grabbed and pulled out with a special device.
Recovery
Care continues on a specialist stroke unit, with monitoring and rehabilitation such as physiotherapy and speech therapy as needed. Recovery depends on how quickly flow was restored and the stroke’s extent.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, vessel injury and further stroke. Time is critical — the procedure only helps within a certain window, and not all strokes or patients are suitable.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Mechanical Thrombectomy: frequently asked questions
Why is speed so important in stroke treatment?
Brain cells die rapidly when their blood supply is cut off, so restoring flow quickly saves brain tissue and improves recovery. Thrombectomy only helps within a limited time window after symptoms start.
Is thrombectomy suitable for every stroke?
No. It treats strokes caused by a clot in a large artery, confirmed on scans, and only within a time window. Strokes caused by bleeding, or small-vessel clots, are treated differently.
Related
Other therapy
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Society of British Neurological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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