Intra Arterial Thrombolysis Treatment in Turkey
About Intra Arterial Thrombolysis
Key Highlights
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Targeted Treatment: Delivers clot-busting medication directly to the site of the brain blockage for higher local concentration.Extended Time Window: Can be performed up to 6-24 hours after stroke onset in select patients, unlike intravenous thrombolysis.Effective for Large Clots: Particularly beneficial for dissolving large clots in major brain arteries (e.g., MCA, basilar artery).listrongMinimally Invasive:/strong Performed via a small puncture in the groin or wrist, avoiding open brain surgery./lilistrongPotential for Improved Outcomes:/strong Aims to rapidly restore blood flow, potentially reducing long-term disability from stroke./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior or posterior circulation.
- Patient presentation within an extended time window (often 6-24 hours) who meet specific imaging criteria (e.g., significant penumbra).
- Contraindication to intravenous thrombolysis (e.g., recent surgery, coagulation disorder).
- Failure of intravenous thrombolysis to recanalize the artery ("bridging therapy").
- Ischemic stroke in a critical location, such as the basilar artery, where outcomes without intervention are often poor.
How to prepare
- Emergency Imaging: Immediate non-contrast CT head to rule out hemorrhage, followed by CT angiography or MR angiography to locate the clot.
- Lab Tests: Rapid blood tests including complete blood count, coagulation profile, and renal function.
- Neurological Assessment: Evaluation using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to quantify stroke severity.
- Patient Consent: Discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives with the patient or family members due to the urgent nature.
- Pre-Procedure: Establishment of intravenous access, monitoring lines, and shaving/prepping the groin or wrist access site.
Risks & possible complications
- Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage: The most serious risk, involving bleeding into the brain, which can worsen neurological function.
- Artery Damage or Dissection: Injury to the blood vessel wall from the catheter.
- Distal Embolization: Fragments of the clot breaking off and traveling to block smaller arteries downstream.
- Access Site Complications: Bleeding, hematoma, or pseudoaneurysm at the catheter insertion point.
- Allergic Reaction: To contrast dye used during imaging.
- Failure to Recanalize: The procedure may not successfully dissolve or remove the clot.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate Post-Procedure: Transfer to Neuro-ICU or stroke unit for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status for 24 hours.
- Monitoring: Frequent neurological checks and strict blood pressure control to prevent bleeding.
- Imaging Follow-up: A repeat CT scan is typically performed within 24 hours to check for hemorrhage.
- Mobilization: Bed rest for several hours, followed by gradual mobilization as tolerated.
- Rehabilitation: Early initiation of physical, occupational, and speech therapy as needed to maximize recovery.
- Medications: Often started on antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin) to prevent future clots, unless contraindicated.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
Several weeks to months (highly variable)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intra arterial thrombolysis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intra arterial thrombolysis in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intra arterial thrombolysis. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intra arterial thrombolysis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Intra Arterial Thrombolysis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intra arterial thrombolysis.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Vihaan Iyer, a 58-year-old software architect...
Vihaan Iyer, a 58-year-old software architect and avid morning walker, was in the middle of his daily routine when his left arm suddenly went limp. He stumbled, his speech became slurred, and the right side of his face drooped. His wife, recognizing the signs of a stroke, called an ambulance immediately. At the hospital, a CT angiogram confirmed a large clot blocking a major artery in the right side of his brain. Time was critical. The neurologist, Dr. Kapoor, explained that Vihaan was a good candidate for Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis, a procedure where a catheter is threaded from the groin to the brain to deliver clot-busting medicine directly to the blockage. Vihaan, terrified of being paralyzed and unable to provide for his family, consented. During the procedure, he was sedated but aware of the team's focused urgency. He felt immense pressure but no pain. Post-procedure, he was monitored in the ICU. Within hours, the strength began to return to his left arm. After a week of inpatient rehab, he regained nearly all function, with only minor residual weakness in his hand. His emotional journey was one of profound fear, giving way to immense gratitude. He went from fearing a life of dependency to cherishing his second chance, now committed to managing his hypertension and advocating for stroke awareness in his community.