GENEVA and DUBLIN, June 23,
2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The World Stroke
Organization (WSO) today announced a global partnership with
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) to increase stroke awareness through
several initiatives. The two organizations will work together to
educate, raise awareness and support effective management of
patients who have strokes.
The partnership, announced at the 2016 Annual Scientific Session
of the Chinese Stroke Association (CSA) and Tiantan International
Stroke Conference (TISC) in Beijing, will focus on continued growth of
stroke awareness through the Stroke is Treatable World
Stroke Day campaign; implementation of the WSO's new global stroke
services guidelines: The Roadmap to Delivering Quality Stroke
Care; and, supporting WSO's global clinical educational
programs including the World Stroke Academy and teaching
courses.
Every year, approximately 15 million people worldwide have a
stroke. Of these, nearly five million die and another five million
are left permanently disabled. Fortunately, the prospects for
preventing and treating stroke are far better today than even five
years ago. Technologies such as the stent retriever are making huge
strides in treating stroke, while insertable cardiac monitors are
helping physicians detect atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke
patients, enabling them to provide treatment to potentially prevent
a recurrent stroke.
"Recognizing the signs of stroke early, treating it as a medical
emergency with admission to a specialized stroke unit, and
providing access to the best professional care can substantially
improve outcomes," said WSO President, Professor Stephen Davis. "We are calling for everyone to
take action, drive awareness and push for better access to stroke
treatments, and we are delighted to have Medtronic join us in the
fight against stroke."
WSO's teaching courses are clinical education courses tailored
to individual countries' needs. This year's programs will address
evidence-based approaches to stroke prevention, treatment and
rehabilitation and will focus on improving stroke services
specifically in Beijing,
the Philippines and Hyderabad, India. In addition, the World
Stroke Academy provides a digital teaching option to reach all
member countries with educational programming on stroke.
"Medtronic is committed to fighting stroke across the globe and
an important step in that direction is ensuring that the proper
clinical education tools are available," said Stacey Pugh, vice president and general manager
of the Neurovascular business at Medtronic. "WSO provides dynamic
education programs utilizing various mediums to reach a broad swath
of caregivers in the stroke field. We're proud to help bring these
targeted courses to countries working to improve stroke care."
In 2016, the World Stroke Campaign will focus on the
treatability of stroke, recognizing that although stroke is a
complex medical issue, there are ways to significantly reduce its
impact. In addition, awareness of stroke signs and symptoms plays a
critical role and is a focus of the partnership's efforts.
"Medtronic and WSO share the commitment of improving care for
patients who have experienced stroke," said Nina Goodheart, vice president and general
manager of the Diagnostics and Monitoring business at Medtronic.
"We recognize the importance of advancing care for these patients
and will work together with the WSO to continue to make this a
priority."
About the WSO
The World Stroke Organization (world-stroke.org) is the world's
leading organization in the fight against stroke. Established in
October 2006, WSO's mission is to
reduce the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment
and long-term care. With individual and organizational members
worldwide, including stroke support groups, WSO is the global voice
for stroke and the only international stroke NGO in official
relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).
About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com),
headquartered in Dublin, Ireland,
is among the world's largest medical technology, services and
solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and
extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic
employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians,
hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company
is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to
take healthcare Further, Together.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic
reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual
results may differ materially from anticipated
results.
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SOURCE World Stroke Organization; Medtronic