Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 4, 2026

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
05:52

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin

Published on: November 26, 2013

22.2K

Protected Stroke Mechanical Thrombectomy Code During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Southwestern Part of Saudi

Saeed A Alqahtani1, Ibrahim Alnaami2, Adel Alhazzani3

  • 1Neurology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU.

Cureus
|May 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study shares experiences from Saudi Arabia on performing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers guidance for safe and timely stroke care amidst global health crises.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular diseases, particularly large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, are leading causes of death and disability globally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges in delivering time-sensitive stroke care, including mechanical thrombectomy.
  • Protecting healthcare workers and patients within medical facilities during the pandemic was a critical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To share local experiences and provide guidance on performing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with LVO during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To outline strategies for ensuring safe, timely, and efficient endovascular intervention in a pandemic setting.
  • To offer a framework applicable to similar future public health crises.

Main Methods:

  • The study details the experience of a stroke unit at Aseer Central Hospital, a major stroke center and regional COVID center in Saudi Arabia.
  • It describes the adaptation of protocols and workflows for mechanical thrombectomy procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The focus is on practical guidance for managing AIS patients with LVO while maintaining safety.

Main Results:

  • The article presents practical insights and recommendations derived from managing LVO stroke cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • It highlights the successful adaptation of mechanical thrombectomy services under challenging pandemic conditions.
  • The experience provides a basis for developing robust protocols for stroke care during infectious disease outbreaks.

Conclusions:

  • Performing mechanical thrombectomy for LVO stroke is feasible and essential even during a pandemic like COVID-19.
  • Implementing specific safety measures and adapting workflows are crucial for maintaining timely and effective stroke care.
  • The shared experience offers valuable lessons for stroke centers globally facing similar public health emergencies.

Keywords:
coronavirus pandemiccovid 19re-vascularizationstroke systems of caretretment protocol

More Related Videos

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide09:52

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide

Published on: January 15, 2017

17.5K
Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

12.4K

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...