Experimental middle cerebral artery microsurgical embolectomy

Abstract

Acute arterial embolism continues to be a major cause of stroke morbidity in adults.(3) This is particularly true of those patients with certain cardiac disorders such as rheumatic valvular disease, atrial fibrillation, valvular prosthesis, or myocardial infarction. Extracranial carotid artery atheromatous disease is also a major source of cerebral embolic stroke. It is well known that most cerebral embolizations occur in the area of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Many patients are hospitalized when such episodes occur, and probably could be vigorously treated fairly rapidly. Potential therapy modalities include hypothermia, pressor agents, corticoids, barbiturates, and microsurgical embolectomy or revascularization. Presently, however, there are no clinical or experimental guidelines as to their use and timing. (14,15,16,19)

Supported by a grant from Veterans Administration Hospital and the Western Pennsylvania Heart Association.