Episode 89: Thrombectomy for stroke, with Justin Fraser

In this episode of Critical Care Scenarios, Brandon Odo and Brian Bowling interview Dr. Justin Fraser about thrombectomy, a procedure for treating ischemic strokes. Dr. Fraser explains the evolution of thrombectomy as a standard of care for large vessel occlusions, detailing the relevant imaging techniques, the importance of rapid transfer, and the role of systemic thrombolytics like TNK. He describes the process of performing a thrombectomy, including tandem occlusions and intracranial stenosis, and discusses post-procedural care, blood pressure control, and the importance of follow-up imaging. The conversation also covers radial versus femoral access, factors influencing patient eligibility, and the challenges of providing thrombectomy access in rural areas.