ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (Online): In the United States, one person has a stroke every 40 seconds, while every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, another person dies of one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.
\nAbout 795,000 people have a stroke each year and 1 in 6 cardiovascular deaths is the result of a stroke. The CDC also reports that 87% of stroke cases are ischemic stroke, in which there is a blood clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain.<\/p>\n
A new study finds that people who\u2019ve had large ischemic strokes may experience better clinical outcomes when the blood clot, or thrombosis, that has damaged a large area of the brain is surgically removed with an endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).
\nIn the study, the surgical procedure was accompanied by treatment with tissue plasmogen activator (tPA), which further breaks up clots.
\nThe study is published in The LancetTrusted Source.<\/p>\n
EVT improves health, quality of life following stroke
\nUntil now, EVT had been used for less severe strokes that produced smaller areas of dead brain tissue.
\nThe new study, called \u201cSELECT2 \u2014 A Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Patient\u2019s Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke,\u201d followed patients for a year to document the long-term success of the procedure.
\nIt took place at 31 hospitals in the United States, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, and was a phase 3, open-label, international, randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment.<\/p>\n
The 352 participants in the trial each had acute ischemic stroke with a large blood clot at its center, and were randomly assigned to receive either EVT with medical treatment or medical treatment alone, within 24 hours of the stroke.
\nAll initially showed significant damage from the blood blockage, suggesting that they were likely to experience poor outcomes.
\nThe findings show that after a 1-year followup, large-stroke patients who have received endovascular thrombectomy plus medication were 1.4 times more likely to achieve positive outcomes than those treated only medicinally.
\nThese EVT patients were twice as likely to be able to walk without assistance, and three times more likely to lead completely independent lives. They also scored higher on quality-of-life surveys.<\/p>\n
How does a thrombectomy for a stroke work?
\nNeurologist Dr. Jason Tarpley, director of the Stroke & Neurovascular Center; Vascular and Interventional Neurology at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA, described a typical thrombectomy procedure for stroke for Medical News Today. Tarpley was not involved in the study.
\nFirst, he said a surgeon inserts a small catheter tube \u201cabout the size of an iPhone charging cable into the artery of the leg.\u201d Then, the surgeon navigates a smaller catheter into the artery of the neck, followed by a smaller one.
\nOnce at the stroke location, in some procedures, a \u201cstent retriever\u201d grabs the clot and pulls it out. Alternately, suction may remove the clot, he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe put the catheter right up to the surface of the clot, \u2018kiss\u2019 the clot and turn on suction that pulls the clot into the catheter,\u201d Dr. Tarpley said.
\nRestoring dead brain tissue following stroke
\nWhat\u2019s significant about this study is that it demonstrates \u2014 along with several other studies over the last few years \u2014 the potential value of addressing large areas of post-stroke dead brain tissue, instead of limiting the procedure to smaller ones.
\nIts finding suggests that even if the large area of dead brain tissue will never be resuscitated, returning blood flow to its general vicinity supplies the surrounding tissue with what it needs to leverage the brain\u2019s remarkable plasticity.
\nWith blood and oxygen flow restored, the brain can begin re-wiring itself around the dead tissue.<\/p>\n
Dr. Tarpley was involved in a similar recent study, and noted while some patients may have good clinical outcomes during recovery, such outcomes are not guaranteed, with or without EVT. \u201cWithout the procedure, it\u2019s dismal,\u201d he said.
\nCardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan, executive director of Health and Community Education at the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, GA, also not involved in the new study, told MNT the improved functional and quality-of-life outcomes resulting from thrombectomy among post-stroke survivors cannot be overstated.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only are these indicators of higher functional independence and independent ambulation, but also lower mortality,\u201d Dr. Morgan said.
\n\u201cMoreover, the greater social benefits cannot be overstated, as the ability to remain connected in meaningful ways with the community for engagement and vitality will decrease depression, anxiety, and also death outcomes over time. This is especially important as poorer outcomes were noted in this study in those over the age of 70, and at great risk of social isolation that worsens with poor physical functioning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Dr. Jayne Morgan, cardiologist
\nWhat causes a stroke?
\nA stroke may occur from a blood clot or as the result of a rupturing brain aneurysm \u2014 such strokes can sometimes be surgically clamped to close the rupture.
\nThere are many reasons a person might have a stroke. Dr. Morgan cited atrial fibrillation (AFib) \u2014 an irregular and frequently rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clots \u2014 as well as the narrowing of arteries that occurs with carotid artery disease.
\nDr. Morgan said high blood pressure (hypertension) is \u201cthe most significant factor because of the long-term damage that it can do to blood vessels.\u201d<\/p>\n
The risk of stroke also increases, said Dr. Morgan, with having had a previous stroke, a transient ischemic attackTrusted Source (TIA), and increasing age, especially after age 55. A history of heart disease is another risk factor, as is sleep apnea that is linked to hypertension.
\n\u201cBlacks in the U.S. have a higher rate of strokes than any other ethnic group,\u201d said Dr. Morgan. One factor is their unique susceptibility to sickle cell diseaseTrusted Source, which can cause blood cells to clump and clot.
\nOther known risk factors for stroke include:
\n\u2022\tsmoking
\n\u2022\thigh cholesterol
\n\u2022\tobesity (a risk factor for hypertension and diabetes)
\nIn addition, noted Dr. Morgan, \u201cMen have a higher rate of strokes, but women are more likely to die from strokes.\u201d
\nDr. Morgan also cited family history as a potential risk factor for stroke: \u201cThis should absolutely never be overlooked, as inherited disorders can be causative,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Tips for reducing stroke risk
\nManaging one\u2019s blood pressure is vitally important for stroke prevention, as is being physically active, Dr. Morgan said.
\n\u201cSedentary lifestyles increase the risk of many risk factors that increase the risk of stroke, such as obesity, cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes,\u201d she noted.
\nA healthy diet and weight management help protect against stroke. Stress management is also key.
\n\u201cChronic stress is a risk factor for stroke,\u201d Dr. Morgan said. \u201cDon\u2019t be hesitant to reach out to a therapist, or to engage in activities that increase pleasant socialization.\u201d<\/p>\n
To reduce stroke risk, experts also recommend:
\n\u2022\tquitting or avoiding smoking
\n\u2022\tlimiting alcohol intake
\n\u2022\tgetting sufficient sleep
\n\u2022\ttaking any prescribed medications as directed<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (Online): In the United States, one person has a stroke every 40 seconds, while every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, another person dies of one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. About 795,000 people have a stroke […]<\/p>\n
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