Promising results from a new treatment for stroke have been found in a trial led by Canadian researchers. Stroke, also known as a “brain attack”, can happen in one of two ways: hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an aneurism in the brain bursts or when a weakened blood vessel leaks, while the more common ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel leading to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. All forms of stroke deprive brain cells of oxygen, leading to cell death and functional loss in the affected brain area. As a result, more than 2/3 of stroke survivors have some form of cognitive or physical disability. The trial showed that a new clot retrieval procedure called endovascular thrombectomy (ET) can reduce stroke-related disabilities and halve the death rate from ischemic strokes.

The ESCAPE (Endovascular treatment for Small Core and Anterior circulation Proximal Occlusion with Emphasis on minimizing CT to recanalization times) trial looked at 316 people diagnosed with major ischemic stroke. The test group had the blood clot removed through ET, where doctors insert a thin tube through an artery in the patient’s groin and guide it up to blood vessels in the brain with X-ray imaging, then remove the clot using a retrievable stent, a small mesh tube used to treat narrow or weak arteries. ET was first developed in the 1990s but was only made technically possible recently.

Previously, stroke treatments included clot-dissolving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or methods of pushing devices through blood vessels to pull out the clot. However, both treatments are relatively unreliable. The success of this newest method relies on the use of the stents which are made of metal mesh and can open an artery much more quickly with less damage to the walls of the blood vessel. These stents are also unique in that they flatten and trap the clot so that both the clot and stent can be removed together.

In the ESCAPE trial, 53% of patients treated with a stent or other clot-removing devices were free of major disability, as compared to 29% who were given tPA alone. Researchers saw mortality rates decrease by nearly fifty percent, as 19% of patients given tPA alone died versus 10% of patients given both treatments. In addition, further studies have confirmed similar results, generating excitement in the heart health community. For example, Australian researchers found that 71% given a stent were free of major disability, while only 40% given tPA alone were free of major disability.

Future research is needed to identify the best possible combination of treatment options for optimal stroke recovery. Until then, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of stroke and act as quickly as possible for the best outcome. The acronym BE FAST is an easy way to remember and recognize the symptoms of stroke.

B is for Balance.       A sudden loss of balance

E is for Eyes.             A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

F is for Face.              Drooping on one side of the face

A is for Arm.              An inability to raise one arm

S is for Speech.         Unintelligible or slurred speech

T is for Time.             Every second counts — call 911 as soon as you recognize the signs!

ET saves lives, but it is important that we do our part too. Share your knowledge of the signs and symptoms of stroke and together, we can help save lives. Who will you share your knowledge with today?

Sources
Cyperling, Marta. “ESCAPE Stroke Trial: New Therapy Benefits Stroke Patients.” Www.cumming.ucalgary.ca/. University of Calgary, n.d. Web.
 
Marchione, Marilynn. “Brain Stents Show Big Promise for Certain Stroke Patients.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 11 Feb. 2015. Web.
 
“Research Breakthrough to Revolutionize Stroke Treatment.” Heartandstroke.com. Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d. Web.
 
“Stanford Stroke Awareness Month: BE FAST.” Www.stanfordhealthcare.org. Stanford Health Care-Stroke Center, n.d. Web.
 
“What Is a Stent?” Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, n.d. Web.
 

“What Is Stroke?” Www.Stroke.org. National Stroke Association, 16 July 2014. Web.