[Endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke]

Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke has introduced several paradigm shifts in the therapy of cerebral artery occlusion. Until recently, intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator was the only evidence-based treatment option. Recent trials have proven the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment and additional clinical studies are expanding the indication for this therapeutic approach. A prompt and effective revascularization is the mainstay for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Thrombectomy with stentrievers and/or thromboaspiration are now recommended as the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke with a proximal cerebral artery occlusion according to specific selection criteria based on patient's characteristics, clinical presentation, timing and neuroimaging. In this review, the main findings from available evidence and the state of art of endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke are discussed, requiring that the procedure be performed by trained neurointerventionalists to guarantee the demonstrated safety and efficacy of this treatment.