DEFUSE 3 trial

The DEFUSE 3 trial investigated whether treating stroke patients eligible for late-stage clot removal (mechanical thrombectomy) between 6 and 16 hours after symptom onset improves outcomes. The study found that patients who received the procedure within this window had significantly better chances of regaining independence and reducing disability compared to standard medical care. This research expanded the time window for effective treatment, emphasizing that careful imaging can identify salvageable brain tissue even beyond the traditional 6-hour limit, leading to more patients benefiting from life-changing interventions after a stroke.