Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: history, present and future.

Five randomized control clinical trials of N Engl J Med showed the efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) of anterior circulation. The "spring" of mechanical thrombectomy is coming. The international guideline changed and the treatment of AIS-LVO have been entering a new era. Mechanical thrombectomy became the one of milestones in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular events. The year of 2020 is the five years' anniversary since the "spring" of thrombectomy. What have we learned and where are we heading? To mark this anniversary year, this review takes you through the evolution of EVT from its tough beginnings to a way through the dark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]