New treatment holds best option for stroke patient

For its ability to reduce the incidence of disability, a procedure called endovascular therapy (ET) could be the best option for many stroke sufferers, says a study co-authored by an Indian-origin doctor.

"Endovascular treatment using stent retrievers will become the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke," said Mayank Goyal from University of Calgary in Canada.

The clinical trial randomised 196 patients to receive either t-PA, a clot busting drug, or tPA plus ET.

ET is performed by inserting a thin tube into the artery in the groin, through the body and into the brain vessels to the clot. This is done under image-guided care using an X-ray.

The clot is then removed by a retrievable stent and pulled out, restoring blood flow to the brain. Overall, positive outcomes for patients increased from 35 percent to 60 percent, the researchers noted.

The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.