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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Optimization of resources and modifications in acute ischemic stroke care in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic
Thomas Ford1, Gioacchino Curiale1, Thanh N Nguyen1
1Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Collamore C3 Neurology, Boston 02118, MA, United States.
Insights
This study details protocol modifications for managing acute ischemic stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on vulnerable populations and resource conservation. These strategies ensure safe, effective care for high-risk patients with limited resources.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created significant healthcare challenges, especially for intensive care units.
- Minority populations experienced a disproportionate impact and increased risk of ischemic stroke.
- Boston Medical Center faced unique challenges due to its underserved patient population and COVID-19 related stroke risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present protocol modifications for managing acute ischemic stroke.
- To ensure safe and effective patient care during the pandemic.
- To optimize the use of personal protective equipment and intensive care unit resources.
Main Methods:
- Developed and implemented protocol modifications for acute ischemic stroke management.
- Prioritized the judicious use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Focused on efficient utilization of intensive care unit (ICU) resources.
Main Results:
- Successfully managed patients with acute ischemic stroke under pandemic conditions.
- Maintained high-quality care delivery despite resource limitations.
- Ensured healthcare worker safety through modified protocols.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol modifications offer a viable strategy for managing acute ischemic stroke in vulnerable populations during public health crises.
- These adaptations are crucial for healthcare organizations facing similar challenges.
- Sharing these insights can improve care for underserved communities globally.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare organizations worldwide. A steadily rising number of patients requiring intensive care, a large proportion from racial and ethnic minorities, demands creative solutions to provide high-quality care while ensuring healthcare worker safety in the face of limited resources. Boston Medical Center has been particularly affected due to the underserved patient population we care for and the increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Methods:
We present protocol modifications developed to manage patients with acute ischemic stroke in a safe and effective manner while prioritizing judicious use of personal protective equipment and intensive care unit resources.
Conclusion:
We feel this information will benefit other organizations facing similar obstacles in caring for the most vulnerable patient populations during this ongoing public health crisis.
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