Keywords
mechanical thrombectomy - acute ischemic stroke - stroke - Southeast Asia - endovascular
thrombectomy
Introduction
Stroke remains a major global contributor to both mortality and long-term disability,
with ischemic stroke representing the predominant subtype.[1] Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has emerged as a transformative intervention, leading
to significant improvements in results for patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke
(AIS) caused by occlusion of large vessels.[1] Pivotal trials such as MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, and EXTEND-IA have established MT as the
preferred therapeutic approach for appropriately selected patients, particularly within
the first 6 hours and sometimes up to 12 hours post-onset.[2] However, these pivotal studies were almost exclusively conducted in Western high-income
countries, limiting their direct applicability to Southeast Asian nations.
The burden of stroke is disproportionately high in Southeast Asian countries. It is
estimated that up to 50% of the stroke burden in developing countries is borne by
the Southeast Asian region.[3] Stroke care in Southeast Asia faces major challenges, including low public awareness,
limited emergency services, and underuse of treatments such as intravenous thrombolysis
(IVT) and MT. Many areas lack stroke-ready centers and neurologists, especially in
rural regions. Rehabilitation is often neglected due to cost, limited trained staff,
and reliance on traditional medicine.[3] Despite these constraints, several centers in Southeast Asia have begun implementing
MT, often in resource-limited settings. Studies from countries such as Vietnam and
Indonesia suggest that MT in these countries may still achieve acceptable recanalization
and functional outcomes.[4]
[5]
Although previous reviews have evaluated MT outcomes in other regions, such as Latin
America and low-middle-income countries, to our knowledge, no systematic synthesis
has focused specifically on the Southeast Asian region.[6]
[7] A focused review is needed given regional differences in healthcare infrastructure,
stroke epidemiology, and interventional capacity. This review seeks to comprehensively
rate the clinical effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in treating
AIS across Southeast Asian nations, based on real-world data.
Materials and Methods
The study protocol has been registered and is publicly available through the PROSPERO
database with a registration ID CRD420251001873.
Eligibility Criteria
Studies were eligible if they were observational research, such as cohort, case-control,
or cross-sectional, to reflect real-world clinical outcomes, or original primary studies
cited within any review identified. Eligibility criteria: Studies were required to
present original data on the clinical effectiveness and safety of MT. Eligible participants
included adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with AIS, as confirmed through neuroimaging
approaches such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Research
focusing solely on other stroke types, such as hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic
attacks (TIA), was excluded. Additionally, multicenter studies lacking separate subgroup
analyses specific to Southeast Asian countries were not included. The intervention
evaluated was MT, administered independently or combined with IVT.
Eligible studies were required to be conducted within Southeast Asia, which encompasses
nations such as Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia,
the Philippines, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.
Information Sources
Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed and Scopus
from inception through February 2025. Supplementary strategies, such as citation tracking
via the reference list screening of included articles, were also employed to capture
studies not indexed in these databases.
Approach to Literature Identification, Inclusion Criteria, and Data Collection
A structured search strategy was developed using combinations of terms such as (“thrombectomy”
OR “endovascular thrombectomy”) AND (“acute ischemic stroke” OR “large vessel occlusion”
OR “AIS” OR “LVO”) AND country-specific identifiers (“Brunei” OR “Myanmar” OR “Cambodia”
OR “Indonesia” OR “Laos” OR “Malaysia” OR “Philippines” OR “Singapore” OR “Thailand”
OR “Timor-Leste” OR “Vietnam”). The search incorporated standardized terminology,
including Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), to ensure thorough literature retrieval.
Two reviewers (M.R.G. and R.B.D.) independently conducted the study selection. The
process began with screening titles and abstracts to capture research that aligns
with the predefined inclusion criteria using the Covidence reference manager.[8] Full-text articles of the selected records were then assessed based on the eligibility
criteria. After reaching consensus on the final list of included studies, another
two reviewers independently extracted the necessary data (L.R.D. and R.B.D.). Any
discrepancies during the screening or extraction process were addressed through consensus-based
discussion with a third reviewer.
Quality Assessment and Outcome
The quality appraisal of non-randomized studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa
Scale. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies (R.B.D. and
L.R.D.), with any disagreement being resolved through discussion or consensus through
a third reviewer (M.R.G.).[9] Key outcomes assessed included the percentage of participants who reached a functional
neurological independence, as defined by a modified rankin scale score of between
0 and 2 at 90 days assesment, along with the success rate of blood vessel recanalization
assessed by Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of between 2b or 3, both
indicators of treatment efficacy. For safety evaluation, outcomes such as the rate
of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and the overall 90-day mortality rate
were analyzed. Additional data collected included demographic information such as
age and gender, as well as the initial severity of stroke, measured using the National
Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
Statistical Analysis
Weighted pooled estimates for each outcome were computed using a random-effects model
based on the DerSimonian and Laird method, which accounts for variability both within
and across studies; however, in the case of analysis consisting of only two studies,
a fixed effect model was employed. To evaluate the degree of inconsistency across
studies, the I2 statistic was used, representing the percentage of total variation due to heterogeneity
rather than random chance. An I2 value exceeding 50% was interpreted as indicating significant heterogeneity. Subgroup
analysis was conducted based on country region, study design (retrospective and prospective),
and quality of the studies. Forest plots illustrated the prevalence and overall pooled
estimates, accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Funnel plots were not used
to grade publication bias because the analysis involved single-arm data. All statistical
computations were performed using Jamovi version 2.3.28, with a predefined significance
criterion of a p-value below 0.05 to ensure the robustness of the finding.[10]
[11]
Results
Relevant literature was retrieved using the PubMed and Scopus databases, yielding
37 and 14 records, respectively. Additionally, six more records were identified through
citation tracking. After eliminating 9 duplicate entries, 48 unique records remained
for initial screening. After reviewing titles and abstracts, 31 records were excluded
due to a lack of relevance. The remaining 17 articles were assessed in full text,
all of which were successfully retrieved. Of these, five articles were excluded: one
for reporting unrelated outcomes, three for involving inappropriate study populations,
and one for not meeting the required study design criteria. As a result, 12 studies
fulfilled all eligibility requirements and were included in the final review ([Fig. 1]).
Fig. 1 Flowchart of the included studies.
Background and Quality of Selected Publications
This review included 12 observational studies. Although this review focuses on Southeast
Asia, eligible studies were identified from five countries only, comprising both retrospective
and prospective designs. The majority were retrospective. Studies originated from
Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and Singapore. We found only one multicenter
study, the PROSPR-SEA study. Most patients were treated within a 6- to 24-hour window
from stroke onset, with anterior circulation strokes being most commonly reported.
Several studies also included posterior circulation cases and used imaging criteria
for extended time windows. Consistent reported outcomes included NIHSS scores, functional
independence (mRS 0–2), recanalization rates, sICH, and mortality. However, a study
from Singapore reported the sICH outcome only. Three of the studies were assessed
to be of good quality, while the remaining nine were considered to be of poor quality
([Table 1] and [Supplementary Material Table S1], available in the online version).
Table 1
Summary of the included studies
Author, year
|
Country
|
Study design
|
Age
|
Sex, males
|
NIHSS
|
mRS (0–2)
|
Total
|
Recanalization
|
Total
|
sICH
|
Total
|
Mortality
|
Total
|
Window period
|
Affected circulation
|
Posterior stroke
|
Kurniawan et al,[12] 2023
|
Indonesia
|
Retrospective
|
Mean, 56.75 (SD ± 12.21)
|
71.9%
|
Median, 13 (IQR, 8–24)
|
9
|
32
|
20
|
32
|
NA
|
NA
|
12
|
32
|
8 hours SO could be extended to 24 hours in evidence of mismatch
|
Anterior
|
NA
|
Mesiano et al,[5] 2021 (EVT only)
|
Indonesia
|
Retrospective
|
Median, 55 (IQR, 38.00–79.00)
|
86.7%
|
Median, 13 (IQR,3–24)
|
NA
|
NA
|
8
|
15
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
6 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
20%
|
Mesiano et al,[5] 2021 (EVT + IVT)
|
Indonesia
|
Retrospective
|
Median, 56.5 (IQR, 37.00–85.00)
|
42.9%
|
Median, 13 (IQR, 10–21)
|
NA
|
NA
|
7
|
14
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
6 hours SO
|
Anterior
|
NA
|
Boonchai,[13] 2021
|
Thailand
|
Retrospective
|
Median, 65 (IQR, 57–82)
|
55.9%
|
Median, 16 (IQR, 13–20)
|
13
|
34
|
17
|
34
|
1
|
34
|
7
|
34
|
Anterior circulation: 8 Hours SO posterior circulationg: 12 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
17.6%
|
Churojana et al,[14] 2017
|
Thailand
|
Retrospective
|
Mean, 61.4 (SD ± 14.5)
|
48.8%
|
Mean, 19.4 (SD + 5.52)
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
5
|
41
|
NA
|
NA
|
Anterior circulation: 4.5-8 hours, Posterior circulation: 4.5-24 hours
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
17.1%
|
Luu et al,[15] 2020
|
Vietnam
|
Retrospective
|
Mean, 61.29 (SD ± 14.49)
|
52.1%
|
Mean, 17.1 (SD ± 5.3)
|
37
|
73
|
53
|
73
|
14
|
73
|
18
|
73
|
24 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
16.4%
|
Pham et al,[4] 2025
|
Vietnam
|
Prospective
|
Median, 66 (IQR, 59–76)
|
68.9%
|
Median, 13 (IQR, 9.0–17.0)
|
56
|
122
|
102
|
122
|
8
|
122
|
13
|
122
|
6-24 hours SO
|
Anterior
|
NA
|
Phuoc et al,[16] 2020
|
Vietnam
|
Retrospective
|
Mean, 61.4 (SD ± 13.4)
|
29.7%
|
Mean, 17.3 (SD ± 6.9)
|
21
|
37
|
30
|
37
|
NA
|
NA
|
6
|
37
|
6 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
13.5%
|
Anh et al,[17] 2022
|
Vietnam
|
Prospective
|
Mean, 65 (SD ± 13)
|
55%
|
Mean, 14.3
|
148
|
227
|
192
|
227
|
8
|
227
|
NA
|
NA
|
6 hours SO Later than 6 hours will need imaging
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
9.7%
|
Ngoc et al,[18] 2021
|
Vietnam
|
Retrospective
|
62.14 ± 13.3
|
NA
|
Median, 16.2 ± 7.85
|
93
|
269
|
162
|
269
|
27
|
269
|
48
|
269
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
Constantino et al,[19] 2023
|
Philippine
|
Retrospective
|
Mean, 64 (IQR, 60–71)
|
54.8%
|
Median, 14 (IQR, 11–19)
|
NA
|
NA
|
24
|
31
|
5
|
31
|
NA
|
NA
|
24 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
6.4%
|
Lee et al,[20] 2009
|
Singapore
|
Prospective
|
Median, 67 (IQR, 61.5–76)
|
87%
|
Median, 17.88
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
1
|
17
|
NA
|
NA
|
8 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
60%
|
Nguyen et al,[21] 2023
|
Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore
|
Prospective
|
Mean, 64.9 (SD ± 13.7)
|
50.3%
|
Mean, 15.2 (SD ± 5.9)
|
112
|
180
|
172
|
183
|
14
|
183
|
14
|
183
|
8 hours SO
|
Anterior and Posterior
|
5.4%
|
Abbreviations: EVT, endovascular thrombectomy; IQR, interquartile range; IVT, intravenous
thrombolysis; mRS, modified Rankin scale; NA, not available; NIHSS, National Institutes
of Health Stroke Scale; SD, standard deviation; sICH, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage:
SO, symptom onset.
Thrombectomy Outcome
The included studies reported a mean or median age ranging from 55 to 67 years. The
proportion of male patients varied between 29.7 and 87%. Stroke severity on admission,
measured by the NIHSS, had median or mean scores ranging from 13 to 19.4.
A favorable functional independence status (mRS 0–2) was observed among the clinical
outcomes assessed in 489 out of 974 patients. Successful recanalization, indicated
by TICI grades (2b/3), was achieved in 787 out of 1,037 patients. sICH was documented
in 83 out of 997 patients. Mortality was reported in 118 out of 750 patients. Detailed
data for each study are presented in [Table 1].
Meta-analysis of Thrombectomy
This meta-analysis synthesized data from 12 Southeast Asian studies to examine key
clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy. The aggregated proportion of patients
who achieved favorable functional independence (mRS 0–2) was 48.3% (95% CI: 38.9–57.8%;
I2 = 88.06%) ([Fig. 2]). Recanalization success, defined as achieving TICI grade 2b/3, was observed in
72.3% (95% CI: 63.3–81.2%; I2 = 91.86%) of cases ([Fig. 3]). The rate of sICH was 7.95% (95% CI: 4.9–11%; I2 = 64.85%) ([Fig. 4]), while the pooled mortality rate reached 17.3% (95% CI: 11–23.6%; I2 = 80.69%) ([Fig. 5]).
Fig. 2 Meta-analysis forest plot: rates of modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0 to 2 outcomes at
90 days. RE, random effect.
Fig. 3 Meta-analysis forest plot: thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b or
3 recanalization rates. The article written by Mesiano et al5 was separated into two studies because it described two distinct thrombectomy populations
(one receiving intravenous thrombolysis [IVT] and mechanical thrombectomy [MT] and
another receiving MT alone). RE, random effect.
Fig. 4 Meta-analysis forest plot: complication rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
RE, random effect.
Fig. 5 Meta-analysis forest plot: 90-day mortality rates post-stroke. RE, random effect.
Subgroup analyses revealed that prospective studies reported better outcomes than
retrospective ones: mRS 0 to 2 was achieved in 58.1% versus 41.3%, recanalization
was higher (87.8% vs. 65.4%), and both sICH (5.48% vs. 11%) and mortality (8.65% vs.
20.9%) were lower. Among countries, Vietnam contributed the most studies and outcomes
varied among the included countries. These findings highlight regional differences
and emphasize the impact of study design and healthcare system variability on stroke
outcomes in Southeast Asia. Good quality studies showed lower rates of symptomatic
intracranial hemorrhage (3.4% vs. 9.36%) and higher mortality (27.3% vs. 14.5%), while
functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) and recanalization rates were similar across quality
groups ([Table 2]).
Table 2
Subgroup analysis of the included studies
Characteristics
|
No. of studies
|
mRS (0–2)
|
No. of studies
|
Recanalization
|
No. of studies
|
sICH
|
No. of studies
|
Mortality
|
ALL
|
8
|
48.3% (95%CI, 38.9 -57.8%; I2 = 88.06%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
10
|
72.3% (95%CI, 63.3–81.2%; I2 = 91.86%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
9
|
7.95% (95%CI, 4.9–11%; I2 = 64.85%; p = 0.004)
|
7
|
17.3% (95%CI, 11 -23.6%; I2 = 80.69%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
Countries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vietnam
|
5
|
50.3% (95%CI, 39.3–61.3%; I2 = 88.13%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
5
|
76.3% (95%CI, 66.8–85.9%; I2 = 88.82%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
4
|
8.78% (95%CI, 3.2–14.4%; I2 = 86.5%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
4
|
16.6% (95%CI, 11–22.3%; I2 = 59.8%; p = 0.065)
|
Thailand
|
1
|
38% (95%CI, 22–55%;)
|
1
|
50% (95% CI, 33–67%;)
|
2
|
5.19% (95%CI, 3-10.1; I2 = 59.7%; p = 0.115) FE
|
1
|
21% (95%CI, 7–34%;)
|
Singapore
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
NA
|
1
|
6% (95% CI, −5–17%;)
|
NA
|
NA
|
Indonesia
|
1
|
28% (95%CI, 13–44%)
|
2
|
57.5% (95%CI, 45.2–69.9%; I2 = 0%; p = 0.684)
|
NA
|
NA
|
1
|
38% (95%CI, 21–54%;)
|
Philippines
|
NA
|
NA
|
1
|
77% (95%CI, 63–92%;)
|
1
|
16% (95%CI, 3–29%;)
|
NA
|
NA
|
Study Design
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prospective
|
3
|
58.1% (95% CI, 46.7–69.6%; I2 = 86.46%; p = 0.002)
|
3
|
87.8% (95% CI, 81–94.5%; I2 = 83.38%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
4
|
5.48% (95% CI, 2.9–8.1%; I2 = 35.29%; p = 0.286)
|
2
|
8.65% (95% CI, 5.5–11.8%; I2 = 0%; p = 0.379) FE
|
Retrospective
|
5
|
41.3% (95%CI, 31.5 -51.1%; I2 = 69.73%; p = 0.012)
|
7
|
65.4% (95%CI, 57.2–73.5%; I2 = 64.71%; p = 0.009)
|
5
|
11% (95%CI, 5.3–16.7%; I2 = 67.57%; p = 0.028)
|
5
|
20.9% (95%CI, 15.8 -26%; I2 = 26.46%; p = 0.180)
|
Quality
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poor
|
5
|
49.5% (95%CI, 39.3 -59.6%; I2 = 84.98%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
7
|
74.1% (95%CI, 63.9–84.3%; I2 = 90.79%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
7
|
9.36% (95%CI, 6.9–11.8%; I2 = 17.61%; p = 0.192)
|
5
|
14.5% (95%CI, 8.7 -20.3%; I2 = 77.65%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
Good
|
3
|
44.9% (95%CI, 22.3–67.5%; I2 = 89.8%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
3
|
67% (95%CI, 46.3–87.8%; I2 = 87.61%; p ≤ 0.001)
|
2
|
3.4% (95%CI, 1.2–5.6%; I2 = 0%; p = 0.853) FE
|
2
|
27.3% (95%CI, 16.7–37.9%; I2 = 57.58%; p = 0.125) FE
|
Abbreviations: FE, fixed effect; mRS, modified Rankin scale; NA, not available; sICH,
symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
Discussion
This review showed that mechanical thrombectomy in Southeast Asia resulted in 48.3%
favorable functional independence outcomes and 72.3% successful recanalization. The
rates of sICH and mortality were 7.95 and 17.3%, respectively. Prospective studies
reported better outcomes than retrospective ones. Vietnam contributed the most studies,
with outcomes varying among the included countries, with no major differences in outcome
between good and poor quality studies.
This review identified studies from five Southeast Asian nations: Vietnam, Singapore,
Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. These studies demonstrate that MT is being implemented
in clinical practice within these regions. Evidence derived from the MT-GLASS study
conducted by Asif et al supports this observation.[22] Most of the included data from these countries were sourced from public or academic
medical centers, a factor that could potentially influence the reported clinical outcomes.
Previous studies have indicated that patients treated in private healthcare settings
often experience better outcomes than those treated in public institutions.[23]
In comparison with the HERMES collaboration, which aggregated results from five randomized
clinical trials (MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, REVASCAT, SWIFT PRIME, and EXTEND-IA), our findings
demonstrated similar rates of favorable functional independence outcomes and vessel
recanalization. Within the HERMES dataset, 46% of participants attained functional
independence mRS (0–2) and 71% achieved successful recanalization. In contrast, our
pooled analysis yielded a 48.3% rate for mRS (0–2) and 72.3% for recanalization. However,
the occurrence of sICH was higher in our review (7.95% vs. 4.4%), and mortality was
slightly higher (17.3% vs. 15.3%). These findings suggest that, despite differences
in study design, healthcare infrastructure, and resource availability, mechanical
thrombectomy outcomes in Southeast Asia are largely comparable to those reported in
Western high-income countries.[2] However, the higher sICH rates and mortality observed may reflect delays in presentation,
limited neuroimaging access, procedural challenges, or variations in post-procedural
care.[24]
Subgroup analysis highlighted variability in outcomes across the included countries.
Vietnam contributed the majority of studies and reported relatively favorable functional
independence and recanalization rates. Meanwhile, studies from Indonesia, Singapore,
Thailand, and the Philippines showed varied results. These differences likely reflect
disparities in healthcare infrastructure, access to MT-capable centers, and stroke
care systems. Factors such as treatment delays, limited resources, and financial barriers
may influence the effectiveness of MT across the region. These findings underscore
the importance of strengthening stroke systems.[24]
[25]
[26]
Studies employing a prospective design showed better outcomes than retrospective studies.
Functional independence was achieved in 58.1% of patients in prospective studies compared
to 41.3% in retrospective ones, and recanalization rates were higher (87.8% vs. 65.4%).
Rates of sICH and mortality were also lower in prospective studies. The superior results
yielded by prospective studies in meta-analyses can be attributed to several methodological
advantages inherent in their design. Prospective studies allow for the pre-specification
of study selection criteria, hypotheses, and analysis methods before any study results
are known, which significantly reduces biases such as publication bias and selective
outcome reporting.[27]
[28] Additionally, prospective studies often apply narrower, more standardized selection
criteria, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes. They may also include more
recent cases, benefiting from improved thrombectomy devices, greater operator experience,
better imaging, and procedural protocols. Combined with reduced risk of bias through
pre-specified analysis plans, these factors contribute to the superior results observed.
The findings of this review highlight that MT can achieve functional and safety outcomes
in Southeast Asian countries comparable to those reported in Western high-income nations,
despite existing resource limitations, However, it should be acknowledged that outcome
variability exists across Southeast Asian countries, likely reflecting differences
in healthcare infrastructure, stroke system maturity, access to neuro-interventional
services, and available resources. Nonetheless, this study encourages greater utilization,
and emphasizes the potential benefits of expanding MT programs across Southeast Asia,
even within resource-constrained environments. Enhancing public awareness, promoting
earlier hospital presentation, and improving access to neuro-interventional care could
substantially improve stroke outcomes in the region. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders
should prioritize the strengthening of stroke care systems, including the development
of more MT-capable centers and the subsidization of treatment costs to reduce financial
barriers.
Future research should focus on generating prospective, multicenter registries across
a broader range of Southeast Asian countries to capture more representative and robust
real-world data. Research exploring cost-effectiveness and equity in access to MT,
especially in rural and underserved populations, is warranted. Moreover, qualitative
studies investigating patient, provider, and system-level barriers to timely thrombectomy
could offer actionable insights for programmatic improvement.
Limitations
Several limitations should be acknowledged in this review. First, the majority of
the included studies were retrospective in nature, which inherently carries risks
of selection bias and missing data. Second, heterogeneity in study designs, stroke
severity, imaging protocols, and time windows for thrombectomy across studies may
affect the generalizability of pooled estimates, for example, the earlier the MT is
performed, the better the outcomes, but late-window MT remains effective for carefully
selected patients using advanced imaging. Third, the included studies predominantly
originated from a limited number of countries, largely due to the scarcity of published
data. This may have led to the underrepresentation of nations where mechanical thrombectomy
is still emerging but remains underreported in the literature. As such, the interpretation
of findings should be approached with caution, particularly when generalizing across
the broader Southeast Asian region. Fourth, the overall study quality was modest,
with 9 of the 12 studies rated as poor based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. However,
from the subgroup analysis, we found that there are no major differences between good
and poor quality studies. Fifth, there is a potential for overlapping patient data
from countries with multiple studies from the same centers. Lastly, publication bias
could not be formally assessed due to the single-arm nature of the pooled analysis.
Conclusion
This review shows that mechanical thrombectomy outcomes in Southeast Asia are comparable
to those in Western high-income countries, despite resource limitations. Regional
disparities were noted, reflecting differences in healthcare infrastructure. These
findings advocate the feasibility of expanding MT programs in Southeast Asia.