Abstract
Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been established as the standard of care in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) based on landmark randomized controlled trials. Nevertheless, while the strict eligibility of EVT for AIS patients restrict the wide application of EVT, a considerable population still undergoes off-label EVT. Besides, it is important to acknowledge that recanalization is not achieved in approximately 20% of procedures, and more than 50% of patients who undergo EVT still do not experience a favorable outcome. This article reviews the brief history of EVT trials and recent progressions in the treatment of AIS, with focusing on the expanding eligibility criteria, new target for EVT, and the evolution of EVT techniques.