Thrombectomy

Thrombectomy: Mechanical thrombectomy is the interventional procedure of removing a blood clot (thrombus) from a blood vessel in the brain.

NHS England now commissions mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke in accordance with the criteria outlined in the full Clinical Commissioning Policy and accompanying service specification ‘Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke (all ages)’  NHS England Reference: 170033P published in March 2018.

The West Midland Cardiovascular (CVD) network has worked alongside stroke consultants from across the region as part of the West Midlands Thrombectomy Working Group to produce clinical guidelines for thrombectomy. These guidelines have been reviewed by our Stroke Expert Advisory Group (EAG) and will be presented to the Stroke STP Programme Board in early 2019.

The West Midlands Clinical Network guideline covers any adult patient receiving a mechanical thrombectomy at a West Midlands Comprehensive Stroke Unit and contains the thrombectomy referral form for use by referring hospitals.

Clinical guidelines for accessing thrombectomy services in West Midlands are under development by the Thrombectomy Working Group and the WM CVD Clinical Network.