[Mechanical thrombectomy in a Chilean public hospital. Experience in 149 patients].

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is the accepted treatment for acute ischemic stroke in Large Vessel Occlusion. The Barros Luco Trudeau hospital developed endovenous thrombolysis in 2010, and since 2012, implemented endovascular management, becoming the neurovascular center in the southern area of the metropolitan region.

Aim: To describe endovascular management of acute ischemic stroke in a Chilean public hospital.

Material and methods: Analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke that were treated with mechanical throm-bectomy from 2012 to 2019 in the Barros Luco Hospital.

Results: In the study period, a mechanical thrombectomy was carried out in 149 patients aged 61 ± 15 years (46% females). The average National institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation was 19 ± 4-5. Anterior or posterior circulation involvement was present in 89.9 and 10.1 % of patients. Twenty-five percent of patients were referred from other public centers. The mean lapse between onset of symptoms and thrombectomy was 266 ± 178 in. Ninety days after the procedure, 58% of patients had minimal or absent disability (Modified Ranson score of 0-2), and 19,2% died.

Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy, according to this experience, has favorable clinical outcomes in patients with high NIHSS scores at entry.