AI brings cardiology, neurology teams together to boost care for stroke patients

 Once again not looking to deliver stroke recovery, just stroke 'care' and treatment.

This is the whole problem in stroke enumerated in one word; 'care'; NOT RECOVERY!

YOU have to get involved and change this failure mindset of 'care' to 100% RECOVERY! Survivors want RECOVERY, NOT 'CARE'!

ASK SURVIVORS WHAT THEY WANT, THEY'LL NEVER RESPOND 'CARE'! This tyranny of low expectations has to be completely rooted out of any stroke conversation!

RECOVERY IS THE ONLY GOAL IN STROKE! GET THERE!

AI brings cardiology, neurology teams together to boost care for stroke patients

A new-look care(NOT RECOVERY!) pathway developed by Viz.ai and Medtronic is associated with significant improvements in care(NOT RECOVERY!) for stroke patients, according to new data published in The Neurohospitalist.[1]

Viz Connect uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to help neurology and cardiology departments communicate with each other when following up with stroke patients. It was designed to evaluate patient data for signs that a cardiology or electrophysiology referral may be necessary and then sends any necessary alerts to the appropriate on-call clinicians. 

Overall, this AI-powered platform was associated with more patients receiving follow-up cardiac monitoring and significant drops in the median time to device placement for both insertable cardiac monitors (ICM) and external event monitors.

“Viz Connect has helped us improve how we coordinate care(NOT RECOVERY!) for stroke patients at risk of atrial fibrillation,” lead author Brett Meyer, MD, professor of neurosciences at the University of California San Diego, wrote in a prepared statement. “By replacing a complex and fragmented system that relied on electronic medical record consults and direct physician-to-physician communication with Viz.ai’s streamlined platform, we achieved a robust increase in cardiac monitoring placements prior to discharge. The platform’s closed-loop communication, real-time alerts, and ease of use have not only improved clinician workflows but also enabled more meaningful patient discussions, paving the way for better risk reduction strategies and improved outcomes.”

Patient satisfaction scores also increased after the implementation of Viz Connect, Meyer and colleagues reported. In addition, every clinician who used the new platform said they preferred it to their previous processes. 

“Our collaboration with Medtronic has produced concrete results that further validate how technology can improve care(NOT RECOVERY!) coordination,” Prem Batchu-Green, vice president of care(NOT RECOVERY!) pathways, value and success at Viz.ai, said in the same statement. “By leveraging Viz.ai’s technology to streamline communication and accelerate intervention, we are empowering healthcare providers to achieve better outcomes for their patients.”

Click here for the full study.

Apollo Hospitals partners with Medtronic for advanced stroke management using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 Look how useless this is; 'management'; NOT RECOVERY! I'd fire everybody involved with this.

Apollo Hospitals partners with Medtronic for advanced stroke management using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Apollo Hospitals Group partners with India Medtronic Private Limited to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced stroke management(NOT RECOVERY!) for the first time in India. The USFDA approved AI platform for stroke diagnosis has been validated by clinical trials. The AI software will provide automated analysis in less than two minutes as against currently accepted imaging practices for diagnosis of stroke that takes up to one hour to complete, thus enabling faster decision making in stroke where every second counts. Through this partnership, Medtronic will help in bringing in stroke technologies, technical expertise, training and comprehensive stroke management with the integration of AI platform at the Apollo Institute of Neurosciences at ten locations in Apollo Hospitals across the country, taking stroke management to the next level by standardizing stroke diagnosis and empowering clinicians to make faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.

And you don't know about much faster ways to determine infarct or bleed? This is why all here need to be fired!

Hats off to Helmet of Hope - stroke diagnosis in 30 seconds; February 2017 

Smart Brain-Wave Cap Recognises Stroke Before the Patient Reaches the Hospital

 October 2023

And then this to rule out a bleeder.

New Device Quickly Assesses Brain Bleeding in Head Injuries - 5-10 minutes April 2017

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Stroke is a major global public health problem with 1 in 4 people over the age of 25 years suffering a stroke during their lifetime, according to data from the World Stroke Organization. The fourth leading cause of death today, around 1.8 million people in India suffer from a stroke every year and it is only early treatment that can reduce morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to improve the treatment and management(NOT RECOVERY!) of stroke using digital technologies. Today, AI platforms are improving patient care(NOT RECOVERY!)and outcomes every day, and at Apollo Hospitals, we are proud to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in healthcare. This partnership brings together Apollo Hospitals’ clinical expertise, AI platform and stroke technologies from Medtronic to transform stroke treatment in the country. With this partnership, Apollo Hospitals continues to be the torchbearer in adoption of digital technology as one of the first hospital groups in South Asia to use AI in an organized and scalable manner for comprehensive stroke management(NOT RECOVERY!). Also, with the introduction of 640 slice CT Scan having a capability of doing cerebral angiogram, the patient will definitely gain by means of advanced technical adaptations in stroke treatment. AI has been a boon for the healthcare industry and has transformed many different aspects from drug development to diagnostics and clinical medicine and surgery. It has simplified the lives of patients, doctors and hospital administrators, taking over tasks that are routine, saving time and costs, freeing the doctors to give more time to their patients. It has helped to reduce the chances of errors in diagnostic processes and medical errors due to heavy caseloads.”

Mr. Madan Krishnan, Vice President, Medtronic Indian Subcontinent said, “Medtronic has been leading the fight against acute ischemic stroke (AIS) – enabling our physician partners with meaningful stroke technologies to empower their expertise. There is a huge unmet need with regards to stroke awareness and therapy in India. Medtronic has been partnering with hospitals to create centers of excellence in the country , so that patients are identified faster, and they receive the best treatment. We are aiming to address the current treatment gaps in stroke with our innovative technologies, aiming at reducing door to needle time, thereby potentially improving outcomes for patients. Our partnership with Apollo Hospitals will further our goal of creating awareness and providing quicker access to quality healthcare for stroke patients in India.”

The AI platform uses artificial intelligence to create high quality, advanced images from non-contrast CT, CT angiography, CT perfusion, and MRI diffusion and perfusion scans, helping hospitals to improve time-critical triage or transfer decisions and facilitate better patient outcomes. The stroke team will be able to remotely access the brain scans of stroke patients with AI analysis on mobile app or email for faster decision making without losing time. Other benefits include physicians being able to evaluate the patients remotely and visit in-person only when the AI analysis of the scans suggest indication for treatment. This will help to reduce unnecessary exposure in a COVID situation. The AI system will also generate a valid document proof to support the clinician’s decision taken on the course of treatment for a stroke patient.

Ms. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The Apollo Hospitals – Medtronic partnership will bring about a paradigm shift in acute stroke management, building and establishing a world-class stroke program with a uniform stroke protocol across the group. Trials have shown success in achieving substantially larger clinical benefits through the use of AI technology and the Apollo – Medtronic partnership will support early diagnosis and effective clinical decision in stroke patients leading to the shortest treatment time for better clinical outcomes. While early treatment leads to the best clinical outcome, a trial of stroke patients treated up to 6 to 24 hours with use of AI technology lead CTP or MRI scans showed better clinical outcomes for the patients. The partnership also envisages a structured training and education program to further improve the clinical efficiency of the Apollo stroke clinicians and support team.”

The Apollo Hospitals and Medtronic partnership to build comprehensive stroke management will lead to multiple patient benefits. The use of AI platform in stroke management will reduce diagnosis time from 60 mins to 2 mins. The time saved is brain cells saved as every minute of delay leads to 2 million more brain cells dying. A stroke at odd hours of night will not result in patient losing time for an expert review to begin treatment. Time between onset of stroke to treatment is significantly reduced which can help in improving outcome, reducing hospital stay and saving costs for the patient not just on hospitalization but also on follow-up and rehabilitation. Every patient will receive appropriate treatment as per the indication and not lose any treatment opportunity.

Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences has revolutionized high-end neurological care in the country. With a legacy of innovation and excellence, it has been working at the cutting-edge of neuro-imaging, neuro-intensive care and medical and radiation oncology services to deliver outcomes that match the leading neurology institutions in the world. A highly skilled multidisciplinary neurosciences team dedicates itself to enhancing patient care through cutting edge technology and the partnership with Medtronic will elevate the quality of stoke care with world-class AI-powered stroke treatment.”

Apollo Hospitals’ comprehensive stroke center equipped with 24/7 emergency, a team of specialized experts, CT, MRI facility, and capability of specialized surgical and interventional therapies will have treatment taken to the next level through AI. With AI technology, stroke diagnosis will be standardized and scans will be available remotely within no time to the stroke physician. The technology will increase utilization of IV-tPA (intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke). It will also increase detection of LVO (large vessel occlusion) which accounts for up to 38% of acute ischemic strokes and utilization of mechanical thrombectomy (physical removal of the clot in the brain by a special device threaded through the blood vessels). The partnership will optimize the stroke protocol and create a strong regional tele-stroke network with the power of AI.

The AI technology enabled advanced stroke management will be launched at the Apollo Institute of Neurosciences at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru; Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai; Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai; Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad; Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi; Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bengaluru; Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru; Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysore; and Apollo Hospitals, Indore.

Medtronic unveils next-generation Artisse intrasaccular device alongside new data at LINNC Paris 2024

 Ask your competent? doctor and hospital about this. If they know nothing; RUN AWAY!

Medtronic unveils next-generation Artisse intrasaccular device alongside new data at LINNC Paris 2024

Medtronic has today announced the European launch of Artisse—a new intrasaccular device designed to treat intracranial aneurysms by conforming to the shape of the aneurysm. The launch coincides with interim data that examine the safety, efficacy and performance of the device being presented for the first time at LINNC Paris 2024 (3–5 June, Paris, France).

Artisse was designed to address the needs of complex wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms that have traditionally been managed by stent-assisted coiling, coil adjunctive neck-bridging devices and other intrasaccular basket devices. The former two methods require multiple steps and multiple devices, with stent-assisted coiling requiring dual antiplatelet therapy, which can present challenges in ruptured aneurysms.

Medtronic claims that Artisse offers a simple, one-step technique in treating these complex and simpler aneurysms alike.

Artisse is highly conformable, engineered from dual layers of high-density platinum core and nitinol drawn filled tubing (DFT) wires in a flared design. This sophisticated construction allows it to flex to conform to the unique contours of most aneurysms while exerting the optimum outward radial force needed to fill the space securely, the company also states in a recent press release.

“Artisse behaves differently to other intrasaccular devices because I can control the optimal positioning of the device in the aneurysm,” said Riitta Rautio (Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland). “Due to its conformability and softness, I can reach the optimal position of Artisse in the aneurysm with partial re-sheathing of the device and slight movement of the microcatheter.”

The device’s flexibility, smooth distal tip and gentle deployment make Artisse atraumatic—reducing risk to, and stress on, the aneurysm walls.

Early-experience analysis presented at LINNC Paris 2024, from a study involving 35 patients enrolled into the multicentre, core lab-adjudicated European INSPIRE-A registry, shows that 80% of patients treated with Artisse achieved complete occlusion by a six-month angiographic assessment, indicating successful aneurysm occlusion with no residual filling.

“Artisse is a promising device that appears to be a step in the right direction for intrasaccular technology,” said Tufail Patankar (Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK). “Its softness and conformability allows you to manipulate the device within the aneurysm. Complex wide-neck angled aneurysms that were previously difficult to treat with other intrasaccular devices now seem to be treatable with Artisse.”

According to Medtronic, Artisse is simple to use and faster when compared with coils, or balloon- or stent-assisted coiling. In deployment, the device opens gradually and smoothly with a ‘flowering mechanism’, with no kick-back, so that it feels like pushing a coil. The device also features a handheld electrolytic detachment system that provides immediate confirmation, instant audio and visual feedback upon detachment, and complete radiopacity.

Medtronic offers expert clinical support, including access to simulation software, further supporting sizing selection with Artisse, the recent release notes.

“At this time, I experience very satisfying results for both unruptured and ruptured aneurysms treated with the Artisse device,” said Cyril Dargazanli (University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France).

“Combined with simulation and the radial approach, Artisse is redefining the standard of care of unruptured aneurysms, offering each patient a safe and customised solution, reinforcing the perspective of aneurysm screening in populations at risk to finally achieve the ultimate goal of our community: reducing subarachnoid haemorrhage worldwide,” added Vincent Costalat (University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France).

Announcing the launch of Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab Platform to accelerate innovation in stroke treatment

 Once again not looking to deliver stroke recovery, just stroke 'care' and treatment.

Announcing the launch of Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab Platform to accelerate innovation in stroke treatment

New Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ^™ Platform drives collaboration and connections among start-ups, physicians, and institutions; aims to improve stroke treatment and access for patients worldwide

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the launch of Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ™ Platform designed to accelerate urgently needed innovation in stroke care and treatment.

The company is harnessing its market-leading position and trusted partner reputation to create a platform that will ultimately advance technology concepts that have the highest potential to positively impact millions of stroke patients. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and physicians will be able to collaborate, enhance, and share their breakthrough concepts and products. With the launch of Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ^™ Platform, Medtronic is deepening its commitment to advance stroke innovation as the world prepares to recognize World Stroke Day on October 29, 2022 .

"We need to act now to prioritize the best concepts and strongest products to ensure they reach more patients sooner," said Dan Volz , president of the Medtronic Neurovascular business, which is part of the Neuroscience Portfolio. "Clinicians and innovators are passionate about improving stroke care, and the neurovascular technology market is brimming with ideas, improvements, and would-be therapies in need of development. Our platform will provide both an infrastructure and a process to realize viable opportunities on a previously unmatched scale."

Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ^™ Platform will help bring neurovascular innovations to life. The process will be both transparent and collaborative, ensuring opportunities advance effectively and responsibly. The platform will be launched on October 29 , World Stroke Day.

"What's fascinating about the neurovascular field is that we still have so much to discover about the brain. Medtronic has always invested in innovative stroke treatment technologies leading the standard of care and advancing the practice of neurosurgery," said Brett Wall , executive vice president and president of the Medtronic Neuroscience Portfolio. "The neurovascular market has enormous growth potential, and we invite innovative start-ups, physicians, venture-capital firms and inventors to collaborate with us as we set out to change stroke care as we know it today. With more than 90,000 employees across 150 countries – combined with our proven record in stroke innovation – Medtronic is positioned well to help address this urgent challenge."

Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ^™ Platform is an always-on virtual portal for innovator submissions, which are then assessed and prioritized to determine a potential path forward. Chosen opportunities will be advanced based on their individual needs, including exposing innovators to Medtronic's network of experts, thought leaders and partners for collaboration, clinical study funding, and strategic and directional guidance.

Medtronic welcomes innovations at every stage of development to move them to the next level; however, high-priority opportunities are high-potential, late-stage clinical and commercial-stage products and technology, followed by physician-led improvements to existing products. To learn more, or input a submission, please visit Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab ^™ Platform at www.medtronic.com/neurovascular-co-lab .

About the stroke challenge
Advancing stroke care is critical and urgent. Globally, 15 million people suffer from stroke annually. Of those, 5 million people die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. ¹ Yet, the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability globally often goes untreated. ² Most people experience ischemic strokes in which blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot. Studies indicate that only about 10 to 14 percent receive clot-dissolving treatment that can stop the onset of stroke symptoms. ³

Furthermore, the use of mechanical thrombectomy, a surgical treatment for stroke and the standard of care for large vessel occlusion strokes remains extremely low. In the U.S., the 2019 estimate of thrombectomies was below 40,000, while the number of patients who could benefit from thrombectomy was between 200,000 and 350,000. ⁴

About the Neurovascular business at Medtronic
With the largest neurovascular technology business in the world, Medtronic Neurovascular led evidence-based medicine in neurointervention with five landmark studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2015 . Its clinical and regulatory leadership and bold approach shaped the current guidelines for treating strokes. ⁵

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 90,000+ passionate people across 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for all. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

SVIN MT2020+ and Medtronic Enter New Partnership to Advance Stroke Care Globally

 Notice the word 'CARE' not recovery. This tyranny of low expectations infects everyone in stroke and needs to be removed, starting at the highest levels. Boards of directors at all stroke associations and stroke hospitals. They all need to be fired.  Gangrene runs deep, amputation is the only solution.

SVIN MT2020+ and Medtronic Enter New Partnership to Advance Stroke Care Globally

By Newsfile, Media OutReach

2021/03/15 22:15

MEDTRONIC AND SVIN MT2020+ - TRANSFORMING STROKE CARE TOGETHER

Minneapolis - Newsfile Corp. - March 15, 2021 - Medtronic and SVIN Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ (MT2020+) are pleased to announce a new and exclusive partnership on the IMMEDIATE program to advance stroke care globally. Together, Medtronic and MT2020+ aim to break down barriers to treatment and improve stroke systems of care - enhancing lives worldwide.

Image 1

To view an enhanced version of Image 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7833/77072_svincaptureenhanced.jpg

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. This year alone, 14.5 million people will suffer from a stroke and 5.5 million people will die from one, contributing to 116 million years of healthy life lost.¹ Research has highlighted major inequities in acute stroke treatment, with life-saving therapies unavailable to the majority of low and middle-income countries. The socioeconomic impact of stroke is also considerable: on average, stroke care accounts for ~3 percent of total healthcare expenditures.²

It's time to make a difference - it's time for change.

This unique partnership between MT2020+ and Medtronic will combine specialist expertise from both organizations, thereby transforming and advancing a new standard of care in stroke treatment.

"I am really excited about the tremendous potential of the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ (MT2020+) and Medtronic partnership to strengthen stroke systems in several pilot countries around the world, to accelerate access to mechanical thrombectomy for stroke," said Dileep R. Yavagal, MD, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery at University of Miami Hospital. "This program could set an example for successful approaches to rapidly diminish the 'thrombectomy gap' in a given region that leaves too many stroke patients disabled for life that could have been functionally independent with timely thrombectomy."

MT2020+ is a global, non-profit, multi-stakeholder alliance, initiated by the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN). Its aim is to speed up access to emergency mechanical thrombectomy (MT) surgery for treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, utilizing public health tools and interventional practices and models.

Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare, working with governments, providers, health systems, and non-profits in more than 150 countries. Its therapies improve the lives of more than two people every second. The company is focused on alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life - ensuring everyone gets the quality healthcare they deserve. Since Medtronic's launch of the first stent retriever back in 2009, and involvement in the five landmark stroke clinical trials which showed reduced post-stroke disability and increased functional independence among patients treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy, Medtronic's commitment to fighting stroke and bringing medical innovations to patients only continues to grow.

You can only improve what you can measure.(And I bet your stroke hospital measures nothing.)

Medtronic and MT2020+ are committed to advancing a new standard in stroke care, supported by scientific evidence. Research shows a system of care that reduces stroke-related deaths by just 2-3% annually can save as many as 400,000 lives.³

The goal of the IMMEDIATE program is to create a comprehensive, yet customizable solution with measurable outcomes. This global initiative will be built around five critical pillars. Optimization of the patient pathway from symptom onset to rehabilitation. Delivery of specialized training for all stakeholders involved, including the exchange of best practices. Providing access to the latest, innovative technologies. Developing regionalized, value-based health economic models, and influencing healthcare policy reform to promote change.

"We're equally as excited to embark on this journey with MT2020+. Three years ago, we piloted the IMMEDIATE program in collaboration with physician leaders which addressed the local barriers to stroke care in select markets. We saw first-hand the impact this had in underserved countries in improving state-wide protocols, government awareness, hospital workflow efficiency and infrastructure, and times to treatment. We believe with the combined effort, expertise and resources of both Medtronic and MT2020+, we can further expand this program into other regions and have an even greater worldwide impact on the state of stroke care," said Dan Volz, President of Medtronic's Neurovascular Business. "Medtronic's global expertise mainly lies in enhancing procedural efficiency and outcomes, however, we aim to go beyond that and address the challenges presented throughout the entire patient journey from symptom onset to recovery."

This is a significant opportunity to make a positive impact in stroke care and to alleviate the unbalanced stroke burden in low- and middle-income countries. Both Medtronic and MT2020+ are delighted to officially announce this partnership. They look forward to establishing a global best practice that will enhance patient care and improve lives. 

Medtronic joins hands with WSO to build road map for quality stroke care

Why the WSO? The World Stroke Organization knows nothing and does nothing about stroke.
And to focus on care/awareness rather than results means they are not serious. Just words not action, survivors are screwed once again. 

Medtronic joins hands with WSO to build road map for quality stroke care

Medtronic, a Dublin based medical device manufacturing company has joined hands with World Stroke Organisation (WSO) consecutively for the third year to raise awareness and build a road map for quality stroke control care at the World Stroke Conference held in Hyderabad. As part of the framework, WSO launched the road map, for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of stroke services globally. Medtronic is one of the sponsors of the road map. India has been chosen for the launch to coincide with the World Stroke Congress in Hyderabad and World Stroke Day. The road map will provide guidance for local healthcare officials and stroke care clinical groups for the selection of evidence-based recommendations, approaches to implementations in clinical practice and the calculation of performance measures to create an environment of continuous quality improvement. "India is facing a stroke epidemic. The road map’s introduction is timely and will help our country take positive steps to address the impact of this disease,” said Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, head of neurology, Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Currently, the stroke incidence in India is much higher than Western industrialized countries. With a population of 1.2 billion, 1.8 million people suffer from stroke and one-third of those afflicted die annually. A 2013 study showed that approximately 23 percent of Indians are unaware of stroke warning symptoms. Advances in stroke treatment have been significant in recent years and stroke treatment guidelines have begun to reflect those changes; however, many countries, including India, are still struggling to implement the latest guidelines and ensure that patients are getting the appropriate treatment within the recommended time frame. “Every day we see the impact that innovative treatment solutions can have on acute ischemic stroke patients. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that stroke patients in India and across the world have access to the right treatment at the right time,” said Madan Krishnan, vice president of Indian Sub-continent at Medtronic. In addition to improving stroke care, Medtronic through its partnerships with WSO and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is focused on raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. The signs of stroke may include drooping or numbness in the face; sudden weakness or numbness of one arm; trouble speaking; trouble seeing; loss of balance; or severe headache with no known cause. If someone is exhibiting any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. “The speed at which someone gets medical attention during a stroke is critical to the opportunity for complete recovery. On World Stroke Day and year-round, WSO works to improve awareness of this devastating disease,” said Professor Werner Hacke, president, World Stroke Organization.