Emergency Microsurgical Embolectomy for the Treatment of Acute Intracranial Artery Occlusion: Report of Two Cases

BACKGROUND The main treatment for acute arterial ischemic stroke is intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis within a particular time window. Endovascular mechanical embolectomy is another treatment option in the case of major artery occlusion. Endovascular mechanical embolectomy is a useful technique for restoring blood flow in patients with large-vessel occlusion, and especially in those who are contraindicated for thrombolytics or in whom thrombolytic therapy has failed. CASE REPORT We report herein two cases of emergency microsurgical embolectomy for the treatment of acute middle cerebral artery and internal carotid artery occlusion as an alternative treatment for major artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS Emergency microsurgical mechanical embolectomy may be an alternative treatment option for restoring blood flow in selected patients with large-vessel acute ischemic stroke.