Mechanical thrombectomy effective treatment option for stroke in elderly also

Delhi: Studies have shown mechanical thrombectomy to be an effective tool for stroke management even in patients above 80 years of age.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon uses special equipment to remove the clot and restore the blood supply to the brain. The procedure is performed under imaging guidance.

Speaking on the treatment of Stroke, Dr. Gaurav Goel, Director & Head - Neuro Interventional Surgery, Institute of Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, said, "Treatment of stroke often depends on the size of the clot blocking the blood supply and time frame. For small clots, a clot-dissolving drug is given which is only effective if provided within initial 3 to 4.5 hours. Mechanical thrombectomy has become a treatment of choice for large clots and provides a wider treatment window. Patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy in the initial 24 hours from the beginning of stroke symptoms have shown promising outcomes. Mechanical thrombectomy can be used for any age group and studies have shown promising results even in patients above 80 years old."

"The mechanical thrombectomy provides a larger treatment window compared to medical treatment and has better outcomes in terms of functional independence, health-related quality of life, and cognitive function.", added Dr. Goel.

Stroke is a medical condition in which blood supply to the brain is affected depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. In the absence of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells start dying within minutes, making it an emergency condition. Delay in treatment often leads to irreversible brain damage and even death in some cases.