Advances in endovascular thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of long-term disability globally. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized treatment for large vessel occlusion (LVO), providing 20% increase in post-stroke functional independence compared to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone. Despite its proven efficacy, EVT is underutilized. While it is suitable for at least 15-20% of AIS patients, its mean adoption ranges from less than 1% to 7% in different areas.

Areas covered: This review highlights key findings from pivotal randomized controlled trials and real-world data, focusing on patient selection criteria, advancements in thrombectomy devices, and procedural innovations. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Expert opinion: Disparity in access to EVT requires strategic investments in healthcare systems and international multidisciplinary collaboration. Enhancing geographic coverage with thrombectomy-capable centers and optimizing prehospital triage systems are essential. Bridging the gap between treatment capability and real-world implementation is critical to improving global AIS outcomes.