What is the primary purpose of intra-arterial treatment in acute ischemic stroke?

The primary purpose of intra-arterial treatment in acute ischemic stroke is to retrieve occluded arteries. This approach typically involves mechanical thrombectomy or the use of specialized catheters and devices designed to physically remove a clot from a blood vessel obstructing blood flow to the brain. Restoring blood flow is critical in the early management of an ischemic stroke, as it helps to minimize brain damage and improve patient outcomes.

Retrieving the clot allows blood to circulate effectively to areas of the brain that have been deprived of oxygen, thereby reducing the risk of long-term disabilities associated with strokes. This technique has been shown to significantly improve recovery rates and functional outcomes in patients suffering from acute ischemic strokes when performed timely.

Other alternatives such as merely facilitating blood clot dissolution might be part of initial medical treatments (like thrombolysis) but do not encompass the mechanical aspect of intra-arterial therapy, which focuses on retrieval of the obstructive clot specifically. Similarly, increasing intracranial pressure and controlling blood pressure are not goals of intra-arterial treatments but rather concerns that need to be managed during an acute stroke scenario.