Endovascular neuroradiological treatment of acute ischemic stroke: techniques and results in 350 patients

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Randomized trials have demonstrated the benefit of intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke, if performed within 6 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We report our experience with 350 acute stroke patients who were treated with IAT using urokinase at a single center. Predictors of favorable outcome were low National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (ppppp<0.001). The latter occurred in 5% of our population. Preliminary results of new techniques including sonothrombolysis, angiojet aspiration, and laser recanalization of thromboembolic occlusions are discussed.