New publication from Dr Malik’s group
If you have a heart attack, you are often best managed by going direct to a Heart Atack Centre (HAC), where you are immediately assessed to see if an emergency operation to open the blocked blood vessel (a Primary Angioplasty and Stent) is suitable. In the whole of London, these HACs provide 24/7 coverage, 365 days a year.
What about Stroke?
Unfortunately, if you ahve a stroke, even if you get taken to a Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU), you may not be offered the same treatment as for the heart. Why? Several reasons:
- No 24/7 rota for Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) or clot extraction- not enough skilled operators
- Too late to benefit
- wrong type of stroke
Dr Malik and his team have publised a review of the evidence base- we have had many trials looking to see if MT works. It does, and saves lives. Logistic and political issues prevent it being delivered. Dr Malik works at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trut where it is now delivered to those who need it 24/7, 365 days a year. It is hoped that other centres will follow soon!
Read more here
Our paper was reviewed at TCTMD