This trial brings us into the third generation of new and potentially better devices to open blocked arteries in acute ischemic stroke. Solitaire showed pretty impressive recanalization rates, compared with Merci, and improved clinical and functional outcomes.
This device also looks at little easier to deploy than Merci, and it seems to be somewhat more practical and better-designed.
 Dr. Ralph L. Sacco |
I think the SWIFT trial will bring very important information to the FDA review, and hopefully we will have another device entering the market to help us treat acute stroke.
But even after interventionists get the Solitaire device, they must be well trained before they start using it. Additionally, devices like this are primarily used in comprehensive stroke centers. To increase the number of patients who might benefit from it, we need to increase the numbers of our comprehensive stroke centers.
Dr. Ralph L. Sacco is the immediate past president of the American Heart Association and chairman of neurology at the University of Miami. He had no relevant disclosures.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STROKE CONFERENCE
