Safety and Tolerability of Direct Ischemic Postconditioning Following Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Experimental studies have demonstrated the neuroprotection of ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) in acute ischemic stroke by attenuating ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability of direct IPostC in both a dog model and patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombectomy.

Methods: The study involved 2 parts.

Remote Ischemic Conditioning: Challenges and Opportunities.

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has been investigated as a promising, safe, and well-tolerated nonpharmacological therapy for cardio-cerebrovascular disease over the past 3 decades; variable results have been found when it is used in cerebrovascular versus cardiovascular disease. For patients with cardiovascular disease, milestone studies suggest that the roles of RIC may be limited. Recently, however, 2 large trials investigating RIC in patients with cerebrovascular disease found promising results, which may reignite the field's research prospects after its setbacks in the cardiovascular field.

Impact of Participation in a Telestroke Network on Clinical Outcomes.

Background: A telestroke program, known as the Remote Evaluation for Acute Ischemic Stroke program, has been implemented in Georgia since 2003. This study examined whether a hospital's participation in a telestroke network was associated with improvement in clinical outcomes and quality indicators.

Methods And Results: An observational study was conducted using data from the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry between September 2005 and September 2016 for patients aged ≥18 years with ischemic stroke.