Nationwide Initiative Aims to Improve Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhagic Strokes

The American Heart Association has launched a significant effort to advance the surgical treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a severe form of hemorrhagic stroke. Despite representing only 13% of all strokes in the U.S., ICH is responsible for more than 40% of stroke-related fatalities. This initiative, known as the Hemorrhagic Stroke Surgical Quality Improvement Initiative and supported by Stryker, emphasizes the adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS). Research indicates that MIPS can significantly enhance patient recovery, especially when performed within the first 24 hours following a brain bleed.

Fifteen hospitals across the nation, including prominent institutions like Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee and Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, have been selected to participate in a collaborative learning program. These hospitals were chosen for their leadership in MIPS, their infrastructure readiness, and their dedication to broadening surgical options for ICH patients. The initiative utilizes data from the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke registry, which monitors a substantial portion of stroke hospitalizations nationwide, to identify and replicate effective care models.

Dr. Kevin Sheth, a volunteer with the American Heart Association and the director of the Yale Center for Brain & Mind Health, highlighted the critical role of data sharing and rapid learning in improving stroke care. The primary goal of this initiative is to mitigate the severe consequences of hemorrhagic strokes by increasing access to surgical interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in aiding patient recovery. For further details on the initiative, interested parties can visit heart.org/ICHSurgical.