Stroke Procedures

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing stroke symptoms, don't wait — call 911 right away.

UPMC experts use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to perform a range of procedures to treat stroke.

Stroke Procedures We Offer

Your doctor may recommend stroke procedures, including:

Mechanical thrombectomy

Mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever — also known as an endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) — is a minimally invasive procedure to treat ischemic stroke by removing a blood clot that is blocking a blood vessel in your brain.

The procedure involves using a small, thin tube called a catheter that your doctor guides to the site of your blood clot. After the catheter is in place, your doctor will use a special device called a stent retriever to pull out the clot, or other devices to suction or break up the clot.

UPMC neurologists and neurosurgeons played a key role in groundbreaking global EVT research and are among the most skilled in Pennsylvania and the U.S. at performing this pioneering procedure.

Intravenous thrombolysis

Intravenous thrombolysis involves using a clot-dissolving medication (thrombolytic) to treat an ischemic stroke, which happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to your brain. The medicines are delivered directly to your bloodstream using an intravenous (IV) line and are most effective when given within a few hours of the start of your stroke symptoms.

Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT)

Also called catheter-directed thrombolysis, IAT involves delivering medication directly to the blood clot site using a small, thin tube called a catheter.

Carotid endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy is the standard treatment for carotid artery disease.

This surgical procedure allows your surgeon to remove the inner lining of your carotid artery, which contains the plaque, through a small incision in your neck.

If you need a carotid endarterectomy, UPMC vascular surgeons have performed thousands of these procedures. We generally discharge most patients the day after the procedure, with little risk for long-term complications.

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that your surgeon may recommend if you have a complete blockage or narrowing of your artery. It allows your surgeon to use x-ray imaging to guide a balloon-tipped catheter to the blockage.

During this procedure, your surgeon will:

Insert a small, thin tube called a catheter through a small incision in your neck or groin. The catheter has a balloon at the tip.
Use x-ray imaging to guide the catheter to the site of the blockage.
Inflate the balloon at the tip of the catheter to flatten the plaque and open the artery.
Place a small metal tube called a stent to help open your artery.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)

TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure to open a blocked carotid artery. During the procedure, your surgeon will:

Make an incision in your neck.
Insert a balloon-tipped catheter into your carotid artery.
Temporarily reverse blood flow away from your brain. This reduces the risk of a piece of plaque traveling to your brain, blocking an artery, and causing a stroke.
Inflate the balloon at the end of the catheter to flatten the plaque and open your artery.

Neural implantation for stroke

An investigational therapy first performed at UPMC, neural implantation for stroke involves using minimally invasive surgery to place engineered nerve cells in stroke-damaged areas of the brain.

UPMC studies of neural implantation have provided the first preliminary evidence that implanted cells can grow and replace nerve cells killed by a stroke.

Why Choose UPMC for Stroke Care?

When you choose UPMC for stroke care, you will receive:

Access to world-class neuroscience expertise — UPMC is among the world’s best multidisciplinary stroke centers. When surgery is necessary, our neurosurgery team is experienced in advanced treatments, including traditional and investigational approaches that are not widely available.
A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical and minimally invasive stroke care, as well as traditional open surgical procedures, allowing us to effectively treat all types of strokes while reducing your risk of complications.
Multidisciplinary care — We partner with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-10-23.