Importance Acute ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United
States. We review the latest data and evidence supporting catheter-directed treatment for
proximal artery occlusion as an adjunct to intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute
stroke. Objective To review the pathophysiology of acute brain ischemia and infarction and
the evidence supporting various stroke reperfusion treatments. Evidence Review Systematic
literature search of MEDLINE databases published between January 1, 1990, and February …