Is intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy safe and effective in patients with ischemic stroke?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

The role of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is yet to be defined. Initial studies of devices to remove proximal (usually anterior circulation) clots suggested no benefit for such devices, whereas more recent studies using different devices (stent retrievers) in addition to medical therapy (most often thrombolysis) appear to show benefit over medical therapy alone.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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