Neurovascular rescue for embolic stroke following atrial septal defect closure

Strokes following cardiac surgery occur in about 5% of patients. Intra-arterial thrombolysis is a good option in such a setting where intravenous thrombolysis is contraindicated, and when in-hospital strokes are detected well within the window for treatment and the chances of complete reperfusion are maximum. On postoperative day 4 after atrial septal defect correction, a 34-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation developed left middle cerebral artery stroke causing severe neurological deficits. Intra-arterial thrombolysis with urokinase led to remarkable recovery.