Transfer of internal carotid artery thrombus to the external carotid artery using a balloon microcatheter

We report a case of acute occlusion of the left internal carotid artery successfully treated by withdrawing a large clot into the external carotid artery using a balloon microcatheter and urokinase. This technique may not only reduce the amount of thrombolytic agent required but also lower the incidence of haemorrhagic transformation.