Mechanical Thrombectomy in Africa: A Challenging Future

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has revolutionized the management of proximal large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), improving long-term outcomes compared to standard treatments. However, despite its success in high-income countries, the widespread implementation of MT in Africa remains limited. With Africa experiencing one of the highest stroke burdens globally, this study examines the barriers impeding the adoption of MT in the region. These challenges include insufficient healthcare infrastructure, lack of specialized training, and economic constraints, which hinder timely access to care. The review highlights significant disparities in stroke management across African countries and proposes strategies to enhance access to stroke care, emphasizing the need for policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and specialized training to improve outcomes for African stroke patients.