After a person suffers a stroke, the clock starts ticking for doctors. Every minute that blood flow to the brain remains blocked, more brain tissue risks permanent damage or death. One way to restore circulation is through endovascular thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that can physically remove the clot, restore blood flow and significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability or death. Such mechanical thrombectomy procedures are a standard emergency treatment within the first 24 hours of an acute ischemic stroke.