What are the current and future trends in stroke treatment?

From LINNC Paris 2021, we invited Prof. Italo LINFANTE to discuss current trends in stroke treatment.

With mechanical thrombectomy universally accepted as a very effective with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 4 to 1, it is clear we are undertreating. In answer to this challenge, Prof. LINFANTE speaks to the evolution in indications for thrombectomies, where patients are considered for treatment at both ends of the stroke spectrum from low neurological deficits to those with large strokes.

Advances have also been made in logistics, with hospitals gearing up for stroke care,  speeding up the time the stroke patient is taken in charge. Research is ongoing on several levels from doing cat scans in the angio room to patient education, for instance, the FAST concept (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).

Research is also ongoing in neuroprotection with possible pharmacological interventions before arrival at the hospital among other approaches being considered. Prof. LINFANTE discusses the basis for this, observing that while we can successfully recanalize a stroke, only 40 to 50 % of the patients do well. Why?  And why not 90%?

Is there something that can be done before MT that would freeze stroke progression?

Could these same medications work after recanalization to speed up recovery?

What does the future hold? More aspiration as a first line treatment? Increasing use of the radial approach?

What do you think? Join us here….