Thrombectomy for Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions: Lessons from Recent Trials and Emerging Strategies

Abstract

Recent randomized controlled trials (EndovaSCular TreAtment to imProve outcomEs for Medium Vessel Occlusions, EnDovascular therapy plus best medical treatment [BMT] versus BMT alone for MedIum VeSsel Occlusion sTroke, and Evaluation of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Related to a Distal Arterial Occlusion) have not demonstrated a clinical benefit of thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs), in contrast to the proven efficacy for large vessel occlusions. Trial populations mainly included elderly patients with mild neurological deficits, which may explain the limited benefit and increased risk of complications. Importantly, Asian patients were not represented, despite regional cohorts showing distinct outcomes influenced by older age and a higher prevalence of intracranial atherosclerosis. Emerging device innovations and adjunctive strategies hold promise, but optimal patient selection remains crucial to defining the role of DMVO thrombectomy.