Helistroke: Neurointerventionalist Helicopter Transport for Interventional Stroke Treatment: A Short Commentary

Abstract

Recent randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. A pooled analysis of these trials has confirmed the known fact that time to intervention is a significant independent factor in good outcome in ischemic stroke. In order to reduce patient transfer time to an endovascular-capable stroke center, we analyzed the workflow in a novel case of helicopter transfer of neurointerventionalist to a stroke patient in a primary stroke center. This proof of concept case demonstrates the feasibility of such a process and offers an additional tool in advancing endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke.