Neuroprotection for ischemic stroke in the endovascular era: A brief report on the future of intra-arterial therapy.

Mechanical thrombectomy is now at the forefront of the treatment of large vessel acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Selective intra-arterial (IA) access has opened a new avenue for neuroprotection in AIS that has the potential to maximize local benefit while minimizing systemic effects. On a cellular level, neuroprotective strategies are aimed at reducing inflammation and free-radical formation, maintaining blood-brain barrier fidelity, and preventing cellular death. Strategies under investigation include IA infusion of neuroprotective agents, IA administration of stem cells, and selective IA hypothermia. In this technical report, we briefly discuss pathologic mechanisms in AIS and highlight potential neuroprotective strategies that are administered selectively via the IA route.