A new era in the management of ischemic stroke: Advent of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy

Reduction in the mortality and disability resulting from acute ischemic stroke translates into restoration of blood flow to ischemic penumbra or tissue-at-risk. Reopening occluded large intracranial arteries is currently possible by timely institution of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy. In this topic, we discuss the physiologic basis of thrombectomy, technical steps and future directions in a concise yet eminently readable manner.