Reperfusion therapy in the acute management of ischemic stroke.

Reperfusion, or restoration of blood flow, is an effective means of reducing disability in the setting of acute stroke. Reperfusion therapies, such as intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular and interventional procedures, fit within the existing stroke system of care. There are currently 4 devices cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for recanalization of arterial occlusion in patients with ischemic stroke. Endovascular device technology and advanced imaging technology continue to evolve with newer devices suggesting greater recanalization success. A new paradigm using advanced imaging to select patients in combination with newer devices is being tested and may lead to great improvements in care.