Pay attention to the futile recanalization management of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Vascular recanalization therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) worldwide. Recently, the neurological functions have dramatically improved for AIS patients receiving endovascular thrombectomy, especially after the issue and promotion of evidence from different clinical studies. But nearly 50% of the patients had unfavorable clinical outcome even after successful recanalization [modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI)≥2b/3], which was termed as"futile recanalization". The mechanisms are complex, which may be related to poor collateral circulation, microthrombus and small artery reocclusion. The most significant pathophysiological change is brain tissue hypoperfusion although complete opening of the large artery, known as"no-reflow phenomenon". Therefore, it is urgent to manage the complications after vascular recanalization, such as hemorrhagic transformation, hyperperfusion syndrome, vascular re-occlusion, and even surgery-related complications (arterial dissection, contrast-induced encephalopathy), and future research is warranted to focus on the strategy of drugs with multi-target protection combined with vascular recanalization treatment. The current article covers the review, original research and case report focusing on this topic, aiming to raise clinical questions and call for more contribution to explore the mechanism and potential therapeutic strategy of futile recanalization, and thus provides more selections on the improvement of clinical outcome for AIS patients.