Mechanical Thrombectomy is a breakthrough minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots (thrombus) from blocked brain arteries, especially during an acute ischemic stroke. This technique can restore blood flow to the brain within minutes, preventing permanent damage and saving lives.
Strokes caused by large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are often severe and disabling, with high risks of paralysis, speech loss, or death. Thrombectomy is performed through a small catheter in the groin or wrist and has revolutionized stroke care by enabling quick clot removal without brain surgery.
At CARE CHL Hospital, Indore, Dr. Alok K. Udiya, one of the region’s leading Interventional Neuroradiologists, specializes in mechanical thrombectomy. With access to advanced neuroimaging, biplane DSA technology, and 24×7 stroke-ready teams, we provide hyperacute stroke care within the golden window.
Key Benefits of the Treatment
When performed in time, mechanical thrombectomy can dramatically improve stroke outcomes. Its benefits include:
- Reverses Paralysis and Speech Loss: Opens blocked vessels and restores oxygen to brain tissue.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients regain significant function within days.
- Minimally Invasive: No need for craniotomy or open surgery.
- High Success Rate: Over 80–90% of treated patients have improved neurological function.
- Can Be Combined with Clot-Busting Drugs: For better outcomes when given IV thrombolysis.
- Wider Treatment Window: Effective up to 24 hours in select cases with favorable brain imaging.
- Prevents Long-Term Disability: Reduces the risk of lifelong dependency or death.
How This Treatment Works
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency neurointervention performed in the angiography suite under real-time X-ray guidance.
1. Recognizing Stroke Symptoms
Time is brain. Immediate symptoms include:
- Sudden weakness or paralysis (especially one side)
- Slurred speech or inability to speak
- Vision loss or double vision
- Facial drooping
- Loss of coordination or balance
Call stroke code immediately. Early arrival to the hospital is critical for thrombectomy eligibility.
2. Imaging and Eligibility Assessment
Patients undergo:
- Non-contrast CT scan: To rule out bleeding
- CT Angiography or MR Angiography: To confirm vessel blockage
- CT Perfusion or MRI DWI-PWI: To evaluate salvageable brain tissue (penumbra)
If a large artery (like the MCA, ICA, or basilar artery) is blocked and brain tissue is still viable, the patient is immediately moved to the neuroangiography lab.
3. The Procedure
- A small catheter is inserted into the femoral or radial artery.
- Using fluoroscopy, the catheter is guided to the brain arteries.
- A stent retriever or aspiration catheter is used to grasp and remove the clot.
- The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
- Blood flow restoration is confirmed through angiography.
4. Post-Procedure Monitoring and Rehabilitation
- Patients are admitted to the neurology ICU for 24–48 hours.
- Neurological assessments, blood pressure, and brain imaging are monitored.
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and rehabilitation begin early for optimal recovery.
- Most patients are discharged within 3–7 days depending on stroke severity.
Why Choose Dr. Alok K. Udiya at CARE CHL Hospital for Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Thrombectomy is highly time-sensitive and requires expert hands and infrastructure. At CARE CHL Hospital, we offer:
- A 24×7 stroke-ready team led by Dr. Alok K. Udiya
- Advanced biplane DSA suite for rapid, high-resolution clot removal
- Expertise in both anterior and posterior circulation strokes
- Coordination with neurologists, emergency medicine, and critical care
- Proven outcomes with excellent door-to-recanalization times
- Integrated stroke rehabilitation services under one roof
With Dr. Alok’s leadership and rapid response systems, we ensure maximum brain salvage with minimal delay.
FAQs – Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke
Q1. What kind of stroke does thrombectomy treat?
Mechanical thrombectomy treats ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO), such as blockage in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), or basilar artery.
Q2. How soon should thrombectomy be performed?
Ideally within 6 hours of stroke onset. Select patients with salvageable brain tissue may benefit up to 24 hours based on advanced imaging.
Q3. What is a stent retriever?
A stent retriever is a self-expanding mesh device deployed across the clot to trap and remove it. It’s retracted back through the catheter, extracting the clot and restoring flow.
Q4. Is anesthesia required?
Most thrombectomies are done under local anesthesia with light sedation, unless the patient is unconscious or uncooperative.
Q5. Is this procedure safe?
Yes, when done by experts. Risks include:
- Bleeding in the brain
- Artery damage (rare)
- Re-occlusion or incomplete removal (less than 10%)
Q6. What happens if thrombectomy is not done?
Without recanalization, the blocked artery leads to irreversible brain damage, resulting in paralysis, speech loss, or death.
Q7. Can this procedure be repeated?
Re-thrombectomy is rare but possible if a new stroke occurs due to fresh clots.
Q8. What is the success rate?
Studies show over 80% success in recanalization, and 50–60% of patients achieve independence within 3 months post-stroke.
Q9. Does this replace clot-busting injections (tPA)?
No. Thrombectomy can be combined with tPA (if given within 4.5 hours) or done alone in tPA-ineligible patients.
Q10. What is the cost and insurance coverage?
Most private and government insurance plans cover this under stroke emergency packages. Our team helps with urgent approvals.