Following a request from the HSE's National Clinical Programme for Stroke, HIQA agreed to carry out a health technology assessment (HTA) of endovascular treatment using mechanical thrombectomy for the management of acute ischaemic stroke. The purpose of the HTA was to examine the evidence for using mechanical thrombectomy in addition to standard medical care as a treatment strategy for acute ischaemic stroke in Ireland. HIQA's advice, as a result of this work, included inter alia that mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective procedure when provided as an adjunct to standard medical care within six to 12 hours of onset of an acute ischaemic stroke.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.