Clinical factors are significant predictors of outcome post intra-arterial therapy for acute ischaemic stroke: a review.

Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) provides superior recanalisation rates, approaching 80% for the current generation of endovascular devices. Furthermore, IAT may allow for an extended therapeutic window beyond that which is permissible for intravenous thrombolysis. However, the improved recanalisation rates are not matched by concordant clinical outcomes, leading to an invigorated search for predictors of clinical outcome. There is emerging evidence that younger age, mild-moderate stroke, and shorter vessel occlusion time are associated with better clinical outcome after IAT. This review aims to critically appraise current evidence that may inform changes in the selective inclusion of clinical factors in the future design and trial of IAT.