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Published on: June 4, 2021
Augmenting collateral blood flow during ischemic stroke via transient aortic occlusion
Ian R Winship1, Glenn A Armitage1, Gomathi Ramakrishnan1
11] Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada [2] Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Summary
Transient aortic occlusion enhances collateral blood flow to the brain during stroke. This novel approach increases blood flow in critical brain areas, offering a potential new therapy for acute ischemic stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Collateral circulation is vital for ischemic tissue survival during stroke.
- Cerebral collateral blood flow predicts stroke prognosis and treatment response.
- Limited data exists on collateral dynamics and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel method for augmenting collateral blood flow.
- To assess the efficacy of transient aortic occlusion in increasing collateral circulation.
- To optically record blood flow in leptomeningeal collaterals during ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a clinically relevant thromboembolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) model.
- Employed high-resolution laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) to monitor blood flow.
- Implemented intra-aortic catheter and balloon to divert peripheral blood flow to the brain.
Main Results:
- Transient aortic occlusion induced persistent increases in leptomeningeal collateral blood flow.
- Restored distal middle cerebral artery blood flow to baseline levels during occlusion.
- Sustained collateral flow augmentation for over one hour post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Transient aortic occlusion is a promising strategy for augmenting collateral circulation in stroke.
- This approach shows potential as an adjuvant or standalone therapy for acute ischemic stroke.
- Further development and translation of this collateral flow augmentation technique are warranted.
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