INS

TPA is a commonly used stroke treatment. It is an intravenous or intra arterial treatment. As an enzyme, it catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which is the major enzyme responsible for

the breakdown of clotting. Once it’s administered, it dissolves the blood clot and essentially improves the flow of the blood to the brain which it relies on.

The Penumbra clot retrieval System is a method to remove blood clots from a blood vessel through a catheter. Once the retrieval system reaches the blood clot, it separates the clot in an action similar to a 'suction' or 'vacuum'.

The Merci Retriever Device utilizes a long thin wire with a helical coil formed at the distal end to serve as the retriever. Then, a balloon catheter is introduced into the affected vessel from the femoral artery,

and the balloon begins to inflate to prevent any blood flow that could affect the process. Then the retriever is sent through the catheter, and then during which the distal coil is straightened to fit through the catheter tube. When the retriever appears at the site of the clotting, the coil then reforms, wrapping the clot around and thus allowing the clot to be retrieved using the catheter.

The Solitaire FR Revascularization Device is another treatment. The device uses a wire mesh that goes through a catheter, and retrieves the blood clot through the catheter. This treatment must be administered for 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the patient, and is most effective when given early during the symptoms. This treatment also has many side effects such as bleeding, low blood pressure, a fever, and can cause a fatal hemorrhage.