Mechanical clot retrieval for treating acute ischaemic stroke

Benefits and risks

When NICE looked at the evidence, it decided that there was enough evidence to know how well this procedure works and how safe it is. The 12 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 2648 patients.

The studies showed that 90 days after the procedure patients treated by mechanical clot retrieval had better function, compared with patients treated by thrombolysis alone.

The studies showed that there are some serious risks of mechanical clot retrieval. These include bleeding in the brain, but this can also happen when patients are treated by thrombolysis. Some patients had another stroke after mechanical clot retrieval.

NICE was also told about some other possible risks including making the stroke worse, occasionally with a fatal outcome.

If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.