Thrombectomy in ischaemic stroke – A statement from the Committee for Neurological Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Abstract

Stroke is a disease caused by vascular disorders of the brain such as ischaemia or haemorrhage. It is one of the leading causes of death and a major cause of disability in adults. In the recent years vast development has occurred in the treatment of ischaemic stroke. The latest achievement is the introduction of mechanical thrombectomy, i.e. clot removal from occluded cerebral arteries. The results of recent clinical trials shows it’s efficacy in reducing the risk of death and disability in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Nevertheless only 5 to 10% of all ischaemic stroke patients are eligible for thrombectomy. The introduction of a safe and effective system for implementation of thrombectomy in Poland requires establishment of interventional stroke treatment centres admitting eligible patients from all stroke units. It is also mandatory to create a training system for operators and all medical staff providing care for stroke patients to ensure rapid, safe and effective treatment. Apart from diversions in organisation it is also needed to implement a system for quality control of mechanical thrombectomy services.