From the Research
Mechanical thrombectomy currently has a limited role in spinal infarction treatment, and its application should be considered on a case-by-case basis at specialized centers with neurointerventional expertise, weighing potential benefits against substantial risks. The primary challenges in using mechanical thrombectomy for spinal infarction include the small caliber of spinal arteries, difficulty in rapid diagnosis, and limited access to the spinal vasculature 1. Standard treatment for spinal infarction typically involves supportive care, blood pressure management, and in some cases, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy depending on the etiology.
Some key considerations for mechanical thrombectomy in spinal infarction include:
- The need for early diagnosis, ideally within 6 hours of symptom onset, to consider mechanical thrombectomy as an option 2
- The importance of a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, neurointerventionalists, and spine specialists, to carefully weigh potential benefits against substantial risks 3
- The potential risks associated with mechanical thrombectomy, including vessel perforation, dissection, and worsening cord ischemia 1
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of careful patient selection and procedural technique in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, which may inform the approach to spinal infarction treatment 4. Additionally, guidelines for the management of patients with acute spinal cord injury recommend the use of anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events, but do not specifically address the role of mechanical thrombectomy in spinal infarction treatment 5.
Overall, while mechanical thrombectomy may be considered as an option for spinal infarction treatment in select cases, its application remains largely investigational, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks in this context.