The society of Vascular and International Neurology (SVIN) has issued a white paper as part of their global campaign, Mission Thrombectomy 2020.
The paper, entitled ‘Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke. Building Thrombectomy Systems of Care in Your Region: Why and How’, targets policymakers by highlighting the inaccessibility and geographical disparities in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment.
An estimated 20% to 30% of ischemic strokes are caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). MT performed within the first 24 hours of LVO, was proven in a 2015 study to increase the likelihood of a more positive outcome. This makes the procedure time sensitive, and puts those who have to travel long distances to receive it at greater risk. Yet less than 10% of eligible LVO stroke patients receive MT, leaving an approximate two million people not treated with this.
Dileep Yavagal, Past SVIN President and current chair on Mission Thrombectomy 2020, stated, “LVO stroke is a long-standing silent global crisis that now has a highly effective solution since the last 5 years: MT. However, thrombectomy care isn’t widely accessible, with colossal geographic disparities on a global level. We are calling on public health policymakers to increase physical, financial, and diagnostic access to thrombectomy for patients with disabling stroke to prevent a lifetime of suffering and death.”
Mission Thrombectomy 2020 is a global health campaign which aims, among other things, to accelerate and assist regional organizations in developing training programs for MT globally, develop educational materials aimed at training EMA personnel to correctly identify stroke patients who could be candidates for MT, and develop an innovative payment methodology for emergency MT payment.
The white paper is being disseminated globally through the 82 regional committees’ of Mission thrombectomy 2020. It also covers areas such as educational tools for members of the community, building thrombectomy systems-of-care in the community, and improving inter-hospital transfer for MT patients.
