Targeted plasticity therapy (TPT)—a novel approach to stroke treatment that involves stimulating the vagus nerve to accelerate plasticity in the brain—can double stroke patients’ rates of upper limb recovery, according to research published in Stroke. Paired with traditional motor-skill rehabilitation, it’s twice as effective as standard therapy.

Stem cells in the embryo, previously thought to mature into only red blood or immune system cells, have another function, according to new research out of University College London. They can differentiate into endothelial cells, too, and could help in the growth of blood vessels in developing fetuses.

The Eluvia drug-eluting vascular stent system has been approved by the FDA, device maker Boston Scientific announced Sept. 24—just two days after results from the IMPERIAL trial were presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2018 meeting.

Height—and the genes that influence it—are important predictors for the development of varicose veins, according to a study out of Stanford University.

Atrial fibrillation patients are acutely aware of their five-fold increased risk of stroke, new research from StopAfib.org suggests—and 38 percent report feeling “trapped” between their fear of having a stroke and the major bleeding risks associated with anticoagulants.

Patients who suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) see a “clear benefit” from initiating preventive compression therapy shortly after their diagnosis, as opposed to later stages of treatment, according to a study published this week in the journal Blood.

Women who most closely adhere to a Mediterranean-style diet could be lowering their risk of stroke by up to 22 percent, according to 17-year results of a large-scale study out of the United Kingdom.

The FDA has approved Contego Medical’s Paladain Carotid PTA Balloon System, the first approved embolic protection device to contain both a carotid angioplasty balloon and an integrated filter.