Should interventional cardiologists treat ischemic strokes? A global perspective.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of severe neurological disability in our nation. The stroke death rate has the potential to reach epidemic proportions as the elderly segment of the population continues to rise. There is an insufficient number of trained physicians to supply the care for this patient population. The logical source for qualified physicians to care for these patients is the interventional cardiologist. We review the recent intraarterial therapy trials and detail the training necessary to allow interventional cardiologists to treat ischemic strokes.