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Stroke is a primary global health concern, and mechanical thrombectomy using stent retrievers has emerged as a highly effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke. However, less than 5% of patients worldwide can access this advanced treatment. The limited data available mainly focuses on the Caucasian population, leaving a crucial void in understanding stroke treatment outcomes for Thai and Asian patients who face specific risk factors such as ischemic stroke.
Recognising the global prevalence of stroke as a leading cause of death, the collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and international experts aimed to address the existing gaps in stroke treatment, mainly focusing on the effectiveness and safety of stent retrievers in Asian populations.
In Thailand alone, stroke is a major health burden in Thailand and is the second leading cause of death in the country. The prevalence of stroke is estimated to be 1.88% among adults 45 years and older, and stroke mortality rates have been reported to be 38.7 to 47.1 (per 100,000) between 2014 and 2018. In 2019, stroke accounted for 27,361 deaths in men and 23,669 in women. Therefore, the collaboration sought to explore and develop tailored treatment plans for patients in Asian countries.
Assoc Prof Dr Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, emphasised the importance of the dialogue, underlining the necessity to study and develop treatment plans specific to Asian patients. The collaboration involves an in-depth examination of the efficacy and safety of stent retrievers in treating stroke, with a focus on Thai and Asian patients who are at a higher risk of ischemic stroke than other populations.
The research collaboration aims to compare and compile data from various clinical registries through international cooperation to understand ischemic stroke treatment outcomes in different populations comprehensively. The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and scientific forums, facilitating widespread access and utilisation of the research findings.
Over 200 Thai and Asian acute ischemic stroke patients will be prospectively enrolled and treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy using stent retrievers. The data collected will include patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment details, with a focus on evaluating the characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by atherosclerosis. This patient registry will provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of the stent device for treating ischemic stroke in Thai and Asian patients, serving as a model for developing appropriate treatments in the future.
Prof Dr Nijasri Charnnarong, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, given that stroke is the leading cause of death in Thailand, with up to 70,000 deaths annually. The partnership with a medical device company in the U.S. is seen as a crucial opportunity to import innovative treatments for acute stroke, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Thai and Asian individuals.
Assoc Prof Dr Kunakorn Atchaneeyasakul, the Vascular and Interventional Neurologist at a medical device company in the U.S., revealed that Thailand’s advanced medical capabilities and high treatment rates for stroke patients were driving factors for the collaboration.
The medical device company’s medical team aims to achieve equal stroke treatment for patients in Thailand and globally, positioning Thailand as a model for stroke treatment in Southeast Asia through advanced research and cutting-edge medical equipment.
Previously, OpenGov has reported that the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (MTEC-NTSDA) have developed Gunther Bath. This new system detects, and signals falls and slips in bathrooms, enhancing independent living for seniors by enabling remote safety monitoring from relatives and caregivers.
Gunther Bath is a wall-mounted ambient ultra-wideband sensor strategically positioned to detect movement within the bathroom environment. This sensor employs cutting-edge technology and utilises artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to process the collected data. The sensor can promptly identify potential falls and slips by continuously monitoring the surroundings, providing crucial insights for preventive measures.
By seeing their measure in understanding the elderly, Thailand marks a pivotal turn in prioritising the well-being of its senior citizens. The collaboration between Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine and international medical experts underscores a significant stride in comprehending the unique healthcare needs of the elderly population.
