A stroke can occur when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. In an ischaemic stroke, a blood clot can block an artery supplying the brain and cause brain injury. Mechanical thrombectomy for stroke is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to remove certain blood clots and restore blood flow in eligible patients.

At Care24 Medical Center & Hospital, Erode, patients can access specialised neurological and interventional neurological care for acute stroke.

What Is Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Mechanical thrombectomy is a catheter-based procedure used to remove an eligible blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain.

A thin catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the blockage. Specialised devices may then be used to retrieve or aspirate the clot and help restore blood flow.

Learn more about Neurology & Intervention at Care24 and available neurological care services in Erode.

When Is Thrombectomy Used?

Mechanical thrombectomy is not suitable for every stroke patient. Doctors assess several factors, including:

• Type and location of the blood-vessel blockage
• Time since symptoms started or the patient was last known well
• CT, MRI and vascular imaging findings
• Severity of the stroke
• Overall medical condition

Rapid assessment is important because some stroke treatments are time-sensitive. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides information about stroke assessment and treatment.

How Does Mechanical Thrombectomy Work?

The procedure generally involves:

1. Emergency stroke assessment and brain imaging
2. Inserting a thin catheter through a blood vessel
3. Guiding the catheter towards the blocked artery
4. Retrieving or aspirating the clot
5. Checking whether blood flow has been restored
6. Monitoring the patient after the procedure

Depending on the patient’s condition, other stroke treatments may also be considered by the treating medical team.

Recognise Stroke Symptoms Quickly

Stroke symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:

• Facial drooping
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision problems
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache

The CDC’s stroke symptoms guidance recommends seeking emergency medical attention immediately when stroke symptoms occur.

Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own. Note the time symptoms started, or when the person was last known to be well, and seek emergency medical care.

Mechanical Thrombectomy at Care24 Hospital, Erode

Care24 Medical Center & Hospital provides specialised Neurology & Intervention services in Erode, supported by diagnostic facilities including MRI, CT and an endovascular suite.

Dr. C. Sampathkumar, MD (General Medicine), DM (Neurology) is listed by Care24 as a neurological specialist with experience in interventional procedures, including thrombectomy and thrombolysis. View Dr. C. Sampathkumar’s profile.

Patients requiring urgent neurological assessment can also learn more about Care24 Hospital’s emergency care.

Recovery After Thrombectomy

Recovery after thrombectomy varies from patient to patient. It depends on factors such as the severity and location of the stroke, the extent of brain injury and how quickly treatment is provided.

After treatment, patients may require:

• Neurological monitoring
• Medicines to reduce the risk of another stroke
• Physiotherapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Long-term rehabilitation and follow-up

The treating neurologist will recommend an appropriate recovery and rehabilitation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mechanical thrombectomy suitable for everyone?

No. Eligibility depends on the type of stroke, location of the blockage, imaging findings, timing and the patient’s overall clinical condition.

Is mechanical thrombectomy open brain surgery?

No. Mechanical thrombectomy is performed through the blood vessels using a catheter and specialised imaging rather than opening the skull.

How quickly should a stroke patient receive treatment?

Stroke is a medical emergency. Patients with suspected stroke should receive emergency assessment as quickly as possible because treatment options can depend on the timing and clinical findings.

What should I do if someone develops stroke symptoms?

Seek emergency medical care immediately. Remember the time symptoms started, or the last time the person was known to be well, and tell the medical team.

Get Urgent Stroke Care in Erode

If you notice sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision problems or loss of balance, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

For neurological consultation and stroke-related care, contact Care24 Medical Center & Hospital, Erode.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general health education and does not replace professional medical advice. Mechanical thrombectomy and other stroke treatments are recommended only after appropriate clinical assessment and imaging by qualified healthcare professionals.