What role does imaging of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries play in determining eligibility for mechanical thrombectomy?
Imaging of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries, in addition to the intracranial circulation, may be reasonable to provide useful information on patient eligibility and endovascular procedural planning. Knowledge of vessel anatomy and presence of extracranial vessel dissections, stenoses, and occlusions may assist in planning endovascular procedures or identifying patients ineligible for treatment because of vessel tortuosity or inability to access the intracranial vasculature.