Acute Endovascular Stroke Therapy

The burden of ischemic stroke in the United States continues to increase each year. Patients with stroke with the most severe disability require a disproportionately large share of healthcare resources. Acute endovascular stroke therapy has the potential to reduce the disability associated with large vessel occlusions and diminish the tremendous economic and emotional burden. This article serves to provide a backdrop on acute stroke therapy focusing on the role, limitations, and benefits of an endovascular approach. We review the rationale, current literature, and future directions of mechanical devices for stroke thrombolysis. We also review pertinent issues related to thrombolysis-related intracerebral hemorrhage and appropriate patient selection.