Overview
Acute stroke clot retrieval (mechanical thrombectomy) is a catheter-based procedure to remove a blood clot from a blocked brain artery in selected stroke patients. It depends on quick assessment and is supported by the Neuro Cath Lab, the 10-bed Stroke Care Unit and the advanced ICU at Agrim Hospital.
Preparation
There is little time to prepare because stroke is an emergency. The team will do urgent scans and tests to decide whether you are suitable, and will explain the plan to you or your family. Reaching the hospital early improves the chance that treatment is possible.
What happens
Under the care of the neuro-interventional team, a catheter is guided through an artery to the blocked vessel in the brain and the clot is removed using specialised devices. Some patients are also given clot-dissolving medicine.
Recovery
After the procedure you are monitored closely in the Stroke Care Unit or ICU. Rehabilitation, medicines and control of risk factors such as blood pressure and diabetes are planned by your doctors to support recovery.
This page is for general information. Your doctor will explain the procedure, its benefits and risks for your own condition.