Mechanical Thrombectomy

What is the Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedure?

The mechanical thrombectomy procedure involves threading a small catheter through an artery, usually starting at the groin or wrist, and navigating it up to the blocked cerebral artery under real-time X-ray guidance. Using a specially designed stent retriever or aspiration device, the clot is captured and carefully removed to restore blood flow, minimising brain damage caused by the stroke.

A simple explanation for patients

Simply put, mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure where the doctor threads a tiny tube through a blood vessel to the brain and removes the clot causing the stroke, helping blood flow return and reducing injury.

Why is Mechanical Thrombectomy Needed?

It is performed during an acute ischemic stroke caused by a large artery blockage to quickly restore circulation and reduce brain tissue damage. Without intervention, affected brain areas die, causing lasting neurological deficits or death. This procedure significantly improves recovery chances if done early and by skilled teams.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• Acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

• Clot-induced blockage impairs brain oxygen supply.

• Sudden neurological deficits such as weakness or speech problems.

• Failure of or contraindication to intravenous clot-busting drugs.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Mechanical Thrombectomy?

We provide a multidisciplinary stroke care approach with neurology, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology experts working in tandem within a state-of-the-art facility.

• Highly skilled interventional neuroradiologists and stroke neurologists.

• Advanced imaging suites for real-time guidance and precise clot removal.

• Comprehensive neurocritical care unit for post-procedure monitoring.

• Rehabilitation teams supporting functional recovery after stroke.

• Dedicated international patient coordinators are smoothing your journey.

Indications for Mechanical Thrombectomy

Candidates are patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms confirmed by imaging to have occlusion of large cerebral arteries, especially within the early hours of symptom onset.

• Clot presence in large vessels like the middle cerebral artery.

• Neurological deficits such as motor weakness or speech disturbance.

• Within 6 to 24 hours of symptom onset, based on imaging criteria.

• Medically stable for the procedure under anaesthesia.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Patients with uncontrolled bleeding, severe comorbidities, or stroke caused by haemorrhage may not be candidates for mechanical thrombectomy techniques and might require different treatment approaches.

• Active internal bleeding or bleeding disorders.

• Severe uncontrolled infections or heart failure.

• Stroke confirmed to be hemorrhagic on imaging.

• Late presentation beyond the therapeutic window without salvageable brain tissue.

Preparing for Mechanical Thrombectomy

• Emergency neurologic assessment and imaging, including CT or MRI.

• Laboratory tests and vital sign stabilisation.

• Consent and explanation of the procedure to the patient or relatives.

• Ensuring patient fasting status for anaesthesia safety, if possible.

• Coordination for urgent procedure scheduling.

What Will Happen During a Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedure?

Your doctor will first numb and cleanse the catheter insertion site, usually in the groin or wrist. A catheter will be guided through blood vessels up to the brain artery blocked by the clot using live X-ray imaging. Once positioned, the device, such as a stent retriever, will be deployed to envelop and capture the clot. The clot will then be gently pulled out, restoring blood flow. Throughout, your vital functions will be closely monitored. The whole procedure typically takes about an hour.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• Clean the insertion site and administer local anaesthesia.

• Insert a catheter into the femoral or radial artery.

• Use X-ray imaging to navigate the catheter to the brain clot.

• Advance a stent retriever through the catheter past the clot.

• Deploy the stent retriever to capture the clot.

• Retract the stent retriever and catheter together to remove the clot.

• Confirm restored blood flow with angiography.

• Remove the catheter and apply pressure to the insertion site.

Recovery After Mechanical Thrombectomy

After the procedure, you will be monitored in a specialised stroke or intensive care unit for potential complications and neurological recovery. Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, will often begin early to maximise functional gains. Your care team will provide detailed instructions and support for outpatient follow-up.

Risks & Complications

Risks include bleeding, vessel injury, infection, allergic reactions to contrast dye, or incomplete clot removal. However, mechanical thrombectomy has been proven safe and effective in expert hands. Continuous monitoring and prompt intervention minimise these risks.

Benefits of Mechanical Thrombectomy

This procedure significantly improves outcomes by rapidly restoring brain blood flow, reducing long-term disability, and improving survival in appropriate patients. It offers hope for a better recovery and earlier return to independence.

Cost of Mechanical Thrombectomy at Manipal Hospitals Global

Costs at Manipal Hospitals Global are typically more affordable than in Western countries. They cover the procedure, hospitalisation, medications, imaging, and postoperative care. Personalised cost estimates are provided after medical evaluation for international patients.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

Comprehensive support for international patients includes visa assistance, airport transfers, comfortable accommodations, language interpretation, dietary preferences, and insurance coordination. A dedicated international patient coordinator guides you through the journey.