Endovascular management of acute stroke

Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death and most common cause of permanent disability in industrialized nations. Eighty-five percent of strokes are ischemic in nature, with an associated mortality between 53% and 92%. The focus of treatment for acute stroke starts with prompt and accurate diagnosis of ischemic brain tissue at risk, followed by time sensitive delivery of therapy that effectively and safely restores flow to that vascular territory. Time-dependent reperfusion therapy is the only proven treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke. In this paper, we review the clinical and imaging factors that are relevant to guide endovascular treatment decisions; the different approaches of stroke therapy and the devices used with the goal of obtaining the most rapid and complete recanalization possible, while minimizing vascular damage and hemorrhagic complications. It is paid particular attention to indications and outcomes of the different endovascular stroke therapy devices use, as defined in major clinical trials or current clinical practice. Anterior circulation strokes represent the primary focus of this review.