The EXTEND-IA trial

The EXTEND-IA trial studied whether using a special device to remove blood clots from stroke patients' brains within six hours of symptoms improves recovery. It compared standard clot removal techniques to the same methods with additional advanced imaging and clot retrieval tools. The results showed that patients who received the advanced treatment were more likely to have better recovery, less disability, and higher chances of regaining independence. This trial helped demonstrate that early, precise, and comprehensive clot removal can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.