Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by proximal occlusion of anterior circulation large vessel: direct endovascular mechanical thrombectomy or bridging intravenous thrombolysis?

Abstract

Intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. However, there is still controversy about direct endovascular thrombectomy or bridging intravenous thrombolysis. This article elaborates on this. Key words: Stroke; Brain Ischemia; Thrombectomy; Endovascular Procedures; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Treatment Outcome