Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion

J Clin Med. 2024 Jul 16;13(14):4153. doi: 10.3390/jcm13144153.

Abstract

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a neurological emergency associated with a high risk for adverse outcomes. This review provides evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) in the treatment of BAO. Historically considered the primary intervention for acute ischemic stroke, IVT has been progressively combined with EVT, which has emerged from recent studies demonstrating clinical benefits, notably in patients presenting with severe stroke. Several randomised controlled trials have shown that EVT improves patient outcomes in select clinical contexts. Future research directions could address therapeutic treatment thresholds, combination strategies, and long-term outcomes.

Keywords: acute ischemic stroke; basilar artery occlusion; endovascular therapy; large vessel occlusion.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.