Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke [Internet].

Each year around 10,000 patients are treated for severe acute stroke at Norwegian hospitals. Whereas many patients die, survivors often suffer from considerable loss of function. Mechanical thrombectomy is a treatment option for large vessel ischemic stroke. Thrombectomy consists in physically removing the obstructing clot (thrombe) using specific for-purpose designed devices. The method is used when standard treatment (thrombolysis) has failed to dissolve the thrombe, or is contraindicated. In Norway, thrombectomy is performed at specific intervention centres. However, time is a crucial factor, as the intervention is recommended maximum 6 hours following the stroke. Thus implementation of this method at the national level, i.e. being available to all citizens, will meet important challenges due to the particular population distribution, topography and weather conditions in large parts of our country.

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