Two images of blood vessels in the brain: a clot at arrow (left) and visible re-flow of blood vessels after removal of the clot after catheter treatment (right), — © Maastricht UMC+
The Maastricht researchers discovered that in some patients even 24 hours after the onset of complaints, the active removal of clots in the brain by means of a catheter can still have a beneficial effect on the damage that can occur in the event of a cerebral infarction. In the longer term, the positive result mainly translates into better functioning and a better quality of life for the patient. Patients in the treatment group had significantly less disability after three months than the group that was not treated. The conclusion of the researchers is therefore that considerably more patients are eligible for the treatment than previously thought.