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Over 100 000 people suffer a stroke every year in the UK.1 2 Ischaemic strokes account for ~85% of all strokes, with a third of these being caused by a large vessel occlusion (LVO).3 LVO strokes are associated with higher rates of death and severe neurological disability.4 Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a clot retrieval procedure which has revolutionised the treatment of LVO stroke, with a number needed to treat to reduce disability of 3.5 It is an evidence-based treatment that can save the NHS £47 000 per patient, over 5 years.6 Given that up to 15% of all stroke patients (~15 000 people) could benefit from this treatment annually in the UK,7 the return on any investment to deliver this brain-saving treatment is unquestionable. Currently, the percentage of stroke patients receiving MT in the UK falls well below this threshold.