Aspects in stroke: from imaging to outcomes

In an ischemic stroke, part of the brain becomes damaged because it no longer receives blood. This is usually caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel. This clot can be safely removed using endovascular treatment. Prompt action is essential: the longer the blockage persists, the greater the damage to the brain.
This thesis investigated whether this treatment is also effective and safe in selected patients when performed at a later stage, namely between 6 and 24 hours after symptom onset or from the moment a patient was last seen without symptoms. The research shows that patients function better after treatment and experience an improved quality of life. The treatment has also been shown to be cost-effective. As a result, more patients are eligible for ischemic stroke treatment.
Furthermore, this thesis examined to what extent imaging after treatment can contribute to predicting patient recovery. Finally, long-term data on quality of life and healthcare costs are presented that can be used in future health economic models.