Stroke

Cardiovascular departments are playing a role in stroke interventions at numerous health systems, working as part of the stroke care team with neurologists, radiology and the emergency department. Stroke first has be be classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic. These have very different care pathways. Ischemic strokes are increasingly being treated with neurological-interventional therapy that includes catheter based mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot. This is a more aggressive treatment compared to traditional IV administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and  intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) brain bleeds can also be treated in some cases stent flow diverters and embolization coils. 

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Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes

Diets that prioritize plant-based foods are associated with several health benefits, according to a new study of more than 3.4 million adults. Such diets also show potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Stroke risk after TAVR still much higher for female patients

Women are associated with a significantly higher rate of in-hospital disabling strokes than men, according to a new study of nearly 380,000 TAVR patients. What can cardiologists do to help limit these complications? 

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Statin use may protect patients from subarachnoid hemorrhages

Statins appear to be the most impactful for patients diagnosed with hypertension or cerebrovascular disease.

Boston Scientific's Sentinel Cerebral Protection System during a TAVR procedure

Effective, but not worth the cost: CEPD use during TAVR fails to make a significant difference

Cerebral embolic protection devices are proven to work. However, according to one cardiologist, they are still not consistently reducing stroke rates.

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How the shape, size and location of calcified carotid plaques affect stroke risk

A new analysis provides further insight into factors affecting plaque stability and subsequent ischemic events

EnCompass F2 device from Nevada-based EnCompass Technologies

A closer look at world’s first TAVR patient treated with new cerebral embolic protection device

The device covers three vessels at once and can be deployed through the patient's TAVR access site. Researchers shared their first-in-human experience in JACC: Case Reports.

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Cannabis is bad for the heart—should the risk be taken more seriously?

Use of the drug more than doubles a person's risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new analysis of 24 different studies. In a separate editorial, two physicians shared their concerns and highlighted the importance of discussing these risks with patients.

Extended CTA exams more than triple stroke detection

New research reveals that expanding CT angiography scans of the head and neck to capture the area at least 6 cm below the carina can significantly increase the detection of cardioaortic thrombi.