World Stroke Thrombectomy Day was established to raise awareness about mechanical Thrombectomy, a treatment that has proven to be a game-changer in saving lives and reducing disability in stroke patients. Despite the tremendous impact this treatment can have, many people are still unaware of it or do not have access to it. In 2015, MT became a treatment option for stroke patients, and it has been proven to be effective in improving outcomes when administered within 24 hours of the stroke.
The process involves taking the patient to the nearest emergency room where scans will be performed to identify the location of the clot. Specialists known as neurointerventionalists can then remove the clot, restoring blood flow to the brain and salvaging brain cells. Initially, this treatment was only offered at large medical centers, limiting access for many patients. Efforts are underway to make this life-saving treatment more widely available, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and medically disadvantaged regions.
There is a significant disparity in access to Thrombectomy worldwide, with the median access rate being only 2.79%. Factors influencing access include income level, prehospital stroke protocols, and the availability of mechanical thrombectomy operators and centers. Mission Thrombectomy has launched a ‘Spread the Word’ campaign to raise awareness about the signs of stroke and the availability of life-saving treatment, particularly in communities where access is limited.
According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability globally, with projections indicating that it will become the leading cause of disability by 2030. Efforts to raise awareness about Thrombectomy are crucial in changing the course of how stroke impacts communities. Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti will be speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva later this month to further inform the global community about the importance of timely access to Thrombectomy.
Excitement in the neurology community is high due to the advances in stroke care that have been made possible by Thrombectomy. Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting swiftly to seek treatment is crucial in improving outcomes for stroke patients. Efforts are underway to make Thrombectomy available in low- and middle-income countries as well as medically disadvantaged regions of the United States. The ultimate goal is to ensure that patients worldwide have access to this life-changing treatment without delay.
