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.

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.
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
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.
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.

Automated CT scoring system accurately predicts prognosis in stroke patients

The study used non-contrast CT and CT perfusion imaging to analyze agreement between an automated reader and human radiologists with differing experience levels.

Risk of recurrent stroke 48% higher among young marijuana users

Marijuana use can be especially harmful to young adults with a history of stroke or TIA, researchers explained.

Most Americans live within an hour of a stroke center

While 96% of the population is located within 60 minutes of an ED with any acute stroke expertise, many smaller, critical access hospitals in rural regions still are without these lifesaving services.

Stroke thrombectomy outcomes similar between radiologists, fellowship-trained neurointerventionalists

Increased volume has led to stress among endovascular stroke physicians, with some hospitals relying on interventional rads to relieve the strain.

Radiologists must change their approach to stroke care in the AI era

“Radiologists have an opportunity to situate themselves at the center of patient care, but it will require transforming the operational framework and rebranding ourselves," experts suggested in a new editorial.

New CT protocol uses scout images to expedite stroke patients' path to MRI

The new safety screening protocol should "markedly improve" current delays in screening patients, Mayo Clinic doctors explained.

Monitoring high-risk patients for AFib fails to reduce stroke risk

"These findings might imply that not all AFib is worth screening for, and not all screen-detected AFib merits anticoagulation," researchers wrote.

Mobile stroke units improve patient outcomes, reduce risk of disability

Researchers tracked data from more than 1,000 patients who received care from 2014 to 2020.

Stroke

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

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

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

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

Extended CTA exams more than triple stroke detection