World Stroke Thrombectomy Day was established to raise awareness about mechanical thrombectomy (MT), a life-saving treatment for severe strokes. Despite the significant impact MT can have on improving the quality of life after a stroke, many people are not aware of this treatment or do not have access to it. Dr. Thanh Nguyen, President of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, highlights the importance of raising awareness and encouraging global action to improve emergency stroke treatment.
The shift towards MT as a treatment option for stroke patients occurred in 2015, offering a new hope for those affected by stroke. This treatment involves the removal of a clot in the brain to restore blood flow, oxygen delivery, and save brain cells. Initially, MT was only available in large medical centers, limiting the number of patients who could benefit from this procedure. Dr. Adam Karp emphasizes that MT has ushered in a new era of stroke care, providing a better outlook for some of the sickest patients and stressing the need to expand access to these life-saving procedures.
Efforts to speed up the adoption of MT into clinical practice are underway, as the death and disability caused by strokes require urgent action. Disparities in access to thrombectomy exist, with factors such as income level, prehospital stroke protocols, and availability of MT operators influencing access. Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti, Global Chair of Mission Thrombectomy, emphasizes the importance of the ‘Spread the Word’ campaign to raise awareness in multiple languages and empower individuals to recognize stroke symptoms and seek treatment promptly.
As the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability globally, the impact of stroke on human lives is significant. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, stroke will become the leading cause of disability worldwide. Dr. Al-Mufti will address these issues at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland later this month, continuing efforts to raise awareness and ensure access to life-saving thrombectomy procedures. Dr. Dileep Yavagal highlights the shift in stroke treatment paradigms, where stroke paralysis can now be reversed through swift intervention with thrombectomy.
There is great excitement in the neurology community about the advances in stroke care, and the importance of spreading awareness about the availability of thrombectomy as a life-changing treatment is emphasized. Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting swiftly is crucial in ensuring prompt treatment and preventing disability. Work will be needed to make thrombectomy available in low- and middle-income countries, as well as medically disadvantaged regions of the United States, to ensure that all individuals have access to this critical intervention. It is a new era in stroke care, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that the benefits of thrombectomy reach patients worldwide without delay.
