Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. All News Sport Culture Lifestyle Related: Stroke Association 'rebuilding lives' advert The Stroke Association has warned that thousands of stroke victims are being denied access to thrombectomy , a crucial treatment that removes blood clots from the brain and can significantly reduce life-long disability. Analysis by the charity revealed that 1,222 patients missed out on a thrombectomy between October and December last year, despite the procedure needing to be carried out within 24 hours of symptom onset. Only 4.8 per cent of stroke patients received a thrombectomy during that period, falling significantly short of the 2019 NHS target to expand provision to 10% of patients, which aimed to help 1,600 more individuals live independently annually.…