Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency treatment that removes a blood clot from a blocked brain artery to help restore blood flow during certain strokes.
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Stroke & Cerebrovascular Disorders
We have decades of experience caring for patients with stroke & cerebrovascular disorders, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is a Mechanical Thrombectomy?
A mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive treatment used to remove a blood clot from an artery in the brain. It is most often used for certain ischemic strokes, which happen when a clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. During the procedure, a physician guides a thin tube called a catheter through a blood vessel, usually starting in the groin or wrist, to reach the blockage and remove it.
This treatment is designed to reopen the artery as quickly as possible. Restoring blood flow may help limit brain injury and reduce the long-term effects of stroke. Not every person with stroke is a candidate, so the care team uses brain imaging and other tests to decide whether mechanical thrombectomy may help.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provides care through a coordinated team approach for people with complex brain and blood vessel conditions. For patients being evaluated for mechanical thrombectomy, fast assessment, advanced imaging and collaboration across Stroke care can support timely treatment decisions.
Because mechanical thrombectomy is typically performed in an urgent setting, patients may benefit from care that is organized, efficient and tailored to the type of blockage, the part of the brain involved and the person’s overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mechanical thrombectomy is used to treat certain ischemic strokes caused by a blocked artery in the brain. It aims to remove the clot and restore blood flow as quickly as possible.
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No. Mechanical thrombectomy physically removes the clot with a catheter-based procedure. Clot-dissolving medicine, such as thrombolysis, uses medication to break up the clot. Some patients may receive one treatment, while others may receive both.
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Only some patients are candidates. The care team looks at the type of stroke, the location of the blockage, brain imaging results, symptom severity, timing and overall health before recommending treatment.
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This treatment is time-sensitive. In general, it is most effective when performed as quickly as possible after stroke symptoms begin, although some patients may still qualify later based on imaging and clinical evaluation.
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No. Mechanical thrombectomy is considered minimally invasive. The physician reaches the clot through a blood vessel using a catheter instead of making an opening in the skull.
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Risks can include bleeding, blood vessel injury, reaction to contrast dye or incomplete clot removal. The care team explains the risks in the context of the patient’s condition and the urgency of treating the stroke.
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Patients usually stay in the hospital for close monitoring. Follow-up care may include additional testing, stroke prevention treatment and rehabilitation services, depending on symptoms and recovery.
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Possibly. Even when blood flow is restored, some patients need rehabilitation to help with movement, speech, swallowing or daily activities. Recovery depends on the severity of the stroke and how quickly treatment was given.
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Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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