MERCI Device

Overview Conditions Mechanical thrombolysis and clot retrieval with the MERCI device is a type of endovascular treatment for stroke. The mechanical embolus retrieval in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) device can literally "retrieve" a clot. As in other interventional neuroradiology procedures, the MERCI device is inserted into the patient's femoral artery in the leg and passed up to the site of the blockage in the brain. The interventionist then uses the MERCI retriever to pull the clot carefully out of the blood vessel and trap it inside the device, which is then removed. For information about the treatment of stroke with the MERCI device, or other services offered by the Inova Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Program, call 703-776-4700.