Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of mechanical clot retrieval for treating acute ischaemic stroke is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.
Selection of patients for mechanical clot retrieval for treating acute ischaemic stroke should be done by clinicians experienced in the use of thrombolysis for stroke and in interpretation of relevant imaging. The procedure should only be carried out by appropriately trained specialists with regular experience in intracranial endovascular interventions, with appropriate facilities and neuroscience support.