Delayed recanalization in acute ischemic stroke patients: Late is better than never?

Abstract

Successful recanalization of the occluded vessel as early as possible has been widely accepted as the key principle of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment. Unfortunately, for many years, the vast majority of AIS patients were prevented from receiving effective recanalization therapy because of a narrow therapeutic window. Recently, a series of inspiring clinical trials have indicated that more patients may benefit from delayed recanalization during an expanded therapeutic window, even up to 24 h after symptom onset. However, could potentially salvageable brain tissue (penumbra) in patients who do not receive medication within 24 h still possible to be saved?