An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs the flow of blood in the brain. In many cases, a clot-busting drug called tPA can quickly break apart clots, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow. In cases where tPA is not effective or where patients can't safely receive the medication, a mechanical thrombectomy can be effective in removing the clot. In this minimally invasive procedure, a neurointerventional radiologist uses specialized equipment and advanced imaging to pull the clot out of the brain through a small incision in the leg or arm. A long, thin tube called a catheter guides the clot-retrieving device through the arteries in the body and into the brain, where the blockage can be safely removed.
In clinical trials, mechanical thrombectomy has been proven to be effective in reducing disability in patients up to 24 hours after the onset of stroke. AdventHealth Tampa was one of the first hospitals in Florida to institute stroke protocols that allow for treatment of stroke four times later than the standard six hours using mechanical thrombectomy.