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An ischemic stroke happens when part of your brain doesn't get enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients. This type of stroke is caused by a blood clot in an artery of your brain.

Mechanical thrombectomy is done to treat an ischemic stroke. It involves taking the clot out. This help the blood in your brain flow better.

A stroke is an emergency. It should be treated right away. You're more likely to get better after a stroke if you get help right away.

Tell a health care provider about:

1. Any allergies you have.
2. All medicines you take. These include medicines for your heart or to thin your blood. These also include vitamins and herbs.
3. Any problems you or family members have had with anesthesia.
4. Any bleeding problems you have.
5. Any surgeries you've had.
6. Any medical problems you have.
7. Whether you're pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Your health care provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

1. Bleeding.
2. Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
3. Infection.
4. Damage to other structures or organs.
5. Tearing of the blood vessel that has the clot.
6. Having another stroke.
7. The stroke getting worse.

What happens before?

a)   You may have a CT scan or an MRI of your brain.

b)   Your provider will:

1. Do an exam.
2. Ask about your medical history.

c)   For your safety, you may:

1. Need to wash your skin with a soap that kills germs.
2. Get antibiotics.
3. Have your surgery site marked.
4. Have hair removed at the surgery site.

d)   You may be given medicine to break up the blood clot. This may be given in the first few hours after a stroke and during this procedure.

What happens during a mechanical thrombectomy?

1. An IV will be put into a vein in your hand or arm.
2. You may be given:

a)   A sedative to help you relax.

b)   Anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.

1. A small cut will be made through the skin in your upper thigh or arm to find a large artery.
2. A soft tube called a catheter will be put into the artery. It will be moved up the artery toward your brain until it reaches the blood clot.
3. X-ray will be used to find the right spot to put the catheter.
4. A tool or a suction tube will be used to get rid of the blood clot.
5.  In some cases, a balloon or other device may be put in the artery to help keep it open.
6. The catheter will be taken out.
7. A bandage will be put over the spot where the catheter went in.

These steps may vary. Ask what you can expect.

What happens after?

1. You'll be watched closely until you leave. This includes checking your pain level, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. You'll be in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a stroke unit.
2. You'll have your speech and movement checked often.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.