Can Interventional Cardiologists Help Deliver the UK Mechanical Thrombectomy Interventional Programme for Patients with Acute Ischaemic Stroke? A Discussion Paper from the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society Stroke Thrombectomy Focus Group

Abstract

There is a willingness among UK interventional cardiologists to contribute to provision of a 24/7 mechanical thrombectomy (MT) service for all suitable stroke patients if given the appropriate training. This highly effective intervention remains unavailable to the majority of patients who might benefit, partly because there is a limited number of trained specialists. As demonstrated in other countries, interdisciplinary working can be the solution and an opportunity to achieve this is outlined in this article.