Neuroendovascular management of acute ischemic stroke.

Endovascular reperfusion therapy is evolving as a promising treatment in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. Careful patient selection and angiographic evaluation of the location and extent of occlusion are necessary for the successful management of stroke patients. Intra-arterial chemical thrombolysis, with such agents as alteplase and urokinase, has shown favorable results in the early management of cerebrovascular ischemia. Mechanical thrombolysis is becoming an adjunctive or alternative treatment therapy via novel clot dissolution and retrieval techniques. Existing and upcoming trials are investigating the safety and efficacy of neuroendovascular therapy while attempting to expand its indications in acute ischemic stroke.