Interventional Cardiology and Acute Stroke Care Going Forward: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Abstract

Stroke is a catastrophic event for patients and their families. Given the frequency of approximately 750,000 events annually with their associated morbidity and mortality, stroke has assumed increasing importance. Scientific study has identified several diseases categorized under the broad term of "stroke" that form the rationale for current treatment strategies. This paper reviews new information, especially on ischemic stroke (particularly large-vessel occlusions), which identifies the potential for new approaches that can dramatically improve outcome but will require the need to enhance and embrace the care team required to deliver optimal care and address current unmet clinical needs.