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. 

Catheters recalled due to defect—FDA highlights risk of stroke or brain damage

The recall was put in place after a hydrophilic coating was discovered on the inside of the devices. According to the FDA, patients treated with the catheters could face a number of significant risks. 

Semaglutide, other obesity drugs show potential to treat nondiabetic stroke

Much more research is still required, but a new meta-analysis in Stroke suggests these medications may provide valuable stroke prevention.

Jaimin Chung, director of Canon Medical’s interventional X-ray and vascular business unit, explains a new combined CT-angiography interventional system aimed at neurology, trauma, stroke and pediatrics that recently received 510(k) FDA approval. The Alphenix 4D CT Insight Edition includes numerous radiation dose lowering technologies.

Canon introduces new combined CT-angiography interventional system

Jaimin Chung, director of Canon Medical’s interventional X-ray and vascular business unit, explains the technology behind a new combined CT angiography interventional system aimed at neurology, trauma, stroke and pediatrics that recently received 510(k) FDA clearance.

Sahil Parikh, MD, director of endovascular services, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, associate professor of medicine at Columbia University, and a program director for the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) meeting, explains the growing focus in interventional cardiology on endovascular procedures for stroke, pulmonary embolism, peripheral artery disease and renal denervation.

Interventional cardiology showing more interest in endovascular procedures

Sahil Parikh, MD, said it was clear at TCT 2025 that the specialty is getting more and more involved with endovascular procedures for stroke, pulmonary embolism and peripheral artery disease.

Well-known cardiologist Peter A. Soukas, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, FACP, has become chief medical officer of carotid stent maker InspireMD Inc.

Cardiologist Peter Soukas becomes chief medical officer of carotid stent company

The company said the move will help it prepare for what is expected to be a rapid expansion of carotid stenting.

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COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination

Adults are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke after a COVID-19 infection than when they are healthy. The risks are even greater for the flu.

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Poor oral health tied to much higher risk of heart attack, stroke

Regularly going to the dentist, researchers added, may reduce cardiovascular risks by a significant margin.

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FDA approves oral semaglutide for reducing cardiovascular risks in adults with type 2 diabetes

Rybelsus from Novo Nordisk is officially the first oral GLP-1 drug approved for this indication. The FDA's decision was based on the SOUL trial, which included data from more than 9,000 patients with type 2 diabetes.