What is the ideal time frame for administering endovascular therapy following symptom onset?

The ideal time frame for administering endovascular therapy following the onset of stroke symptoms is within 6 hours. This window is critical because the effectiveness of endovascular treatment, which aims to restore blood flow to the brain, significantly diminishes as time progresses. Immediate intervention is key in reducing the extent of brain damage and improving recovery outcomes. Evidence from clinical studies supports that the best results occur when treatment is initiated as soon as possible, ideally within this 6-hour window.

Options that extend the time frame, such as 12 hours or 24 hours, are less favorable, as the chances of favorable outcomes decrease with prolonged delays in treatment. Similarly, while there is a 3-hour window that is important for other types of interventions such as thrombolysis, for endovascular therapy, the 6-hour mark represents the balanced cut-off where benefits still significantly outweigh the risks and the potential for positive outcomes remains highest.