On this page:
What is thrombectomy?
How thrombectomy works
Who can have thrombectomy?
Where is thrombectomy available?
How thrombectomy helps stroke recovery
Risks of thrombectomy
What is thrombectomy?
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency treatment for ischaemic stroke. It removes a blood clot from a blocked blood vessel in the brain using a clot removal device.
How thrombectomy works
A thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin and moved up to your brain by a specialist X-ray doctor. A removal device is guided through the tube to pull the clot out and restore blood flow.
Thrombectomy is often used in combination with thrombolysis (clot-busting medication), but might sometimes be carried out without it. Thrombectomy can help doctors remove clots that are too large to be broken down by thrombolysis.
Who can have thrombectomy?
This procedure is only used when the clot is:
- In a large blood vessel in the brain.
- The brain scan is favourable.
- The stroke has the potential to cause disability.
Thrombectomy should be carried out as soon as possible after a stroke. It’s most effective when performed within the first few hours of symptoms starting. But it can be done up to 24 hours after the stroke if a brain scan shows it could benefit you.
Where is thrombectomy available?
Thrombectomy is performed in specialist stroke centres, usually in large hospitals with dedicated teams and equipment. Some hospitals offer thrombectomy 24 hours a day, but not all areas in the UK have round-the-clock access yet. If your nearest hospital doesn’t provide thrombectomy, you may be transferred to a specialist centre.
Thrombectomy isn’t available everywhere yet — find out why access varies across the UK and what’s being done to improve it.
How thrombectomy helps stroke recovery
Prompt treatment with thrombectomy can make a significant difference to recovery after a stroke. By removing the blood clot and restoring blood flow to your brain, it can help reduce brain damage. This means fewer brain cells die, lowering the chance of serious disability after a stroke and improving the chance of living independently.
Recovery after thrombectomy is different for everyone. Some people notice an improvement quickly, while others need more time and support. Stroke rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy can help you regain skills and independence.
Risks of thrombectomy
Despite its benefits, as with any procedure, there are some risks associated with thrombectomy. These may include:
- Complications, such as bruising or infection in the groin where the tube is inserted.
- Bleeding in the brain.
- The blood vessel tearing or re-blocking.
Doctors carefully balance the risk to the individual patient against the potential benefit of the treatment, and can discuss this with you (and your family) if you’re able to.
Our Stroke Support Helpline is here for you. Whether you need information, or to chat when times are tough, our friendly team is just a phone call or email away. Call us on 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk