Mechanical embolus removal in cerebral

The ongoing IMS III trial is a randomized, multicenter, phase III trial continuing the investigation into the efficacy of the combined IV and lA approach to treat acute stroke. Patients are being randomized to IV/IA therapy and IV rt-PA alone in a 2 1 ratio. In the group allocated to combination IV/IA therapy, the physician will select either the EKOS microcatheter or a standard microcatheter to infuse rt-PA, or select the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) clot retrieval device. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients with an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days. ... 

Smith WS. Safety of mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke. Results of the multi Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) trial, part I. Am J Neuroradiol 2006 27 1177-1182. 

The mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia retriever (MERCI retriever) or endovascular mechanical embolectomy is a recently developed... 

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