Shaping the future of stroke care

There is no doubt that recent developments in stroke care have been revolutionary. Multiple randomized trials have proven the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for rapid intervention in stroke patients with large vessel occlusions. The results speak for themselves. Despite the overwhelming evidence proving the effectiveness of MT, only a fraction of stroke patients have access to this treatment ⁵.

For health systems that are able to perform MT, there are still many barriers to overcome prior to intervention. These include the availability of trained staff, access to neuro intensive care unit (ICU) beds, and coordination and scheduling of acute patients across regional and country-wide stroke networks. All of which combined can result in the severe undertreatment of stroke patients.

In this positioning paper, we discuss how best to accelerate the pace of change, and enable health systems to establish the infrastructure and accessibility they require by augmenting access to MT and optimizing the stroke care pathway.

Our data-driven insights into stroke care infrastructure and inefficiencies reveal the uncomfortable reality of stroke epidemiology on a global and local scale. From marked differences between countries, to inequalities between rural and urban communities, they demonstrate that there is a large variation in access to resources such as 24/7 centers, stroke networks and qualified staff; a situation that must be addressed if we are to encourage the adoption of MT and realize its true potential.

The positioning paper explains why the first vital step in innovating the stroke pathway is to connect the dots between caregivers. It reveals the key solutions that could accelerate care, from integrated networks with simple sharing capabilities to effective ways to reduce uncertainty at first medical contact.

Innovations and improvements for current modalities and workflows are also investigated, including why adopting a Direct-to-Angio-Suite (DTAS) approach supports time-saving transfer, drastically reduces the time to treatment, and potentially improves patient outcomes.

Gaps in information, communication and access to stroke expertise can cause delays that have tragic consequences for stroke patients. Together we can reduce the impact of stroke events, potentially enabling patients to get back to living the lives they love. To learn more and discover how optimizing the stroke pathway can connect care, save precious time, and with that lives, download the positioning paper today.