RATIONALE: With the recent technological advances in mechanical thrombectomy, and evidence that clearly demonstrates the need for fast and effective thrombus retrieval, it remains unclear as to which device and technique combination is most effective.  Defining characteristics of stroke related thrombus with advanced synchrotron based imaging techniques, may help us better understand the biochemical composition of clots.
METHODS: Freshly retrieved thrombi were characterized using advanced synchrotron based imaging techniques including, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to map the distribution of biological elements (Fe, Ca) and macromolecules (proteins, amides, glutamate), respectively.  Clinical data and stroke outcome is acquired for those patients included in the study.
RESULTS: XRF analysis exhibited increased distribution of P and Fe in fibrin-rich white clots. FTIR analysis demonstrated an increased distribution of amide I, amide II, proteins and glutamate in white clots.
CONCLUSION: Thrombus characterization, while correlating patient clinical information as well as outcomes, will improve understanding of stroke treatment outcomes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: I would like to thank Sharleen Maley, Lilian Urroz, Ruth Whelan, Aaron Gardner and Aaron Huber for administrative and clinical support, and all the funding agencies including, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, and the University Of Saskatchewan College Of Medicine, the College of Medicine Research and Development (CoMRAD). I would like to thank the Canadian Light Source (CLS), and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) for aiding in data collection. 



Analysis of retrieved stroke thrombi from mechanical thrombectomy using X-ray fluorescence imaging and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.