Richard H. Swartz

Use of Telestroke Prior to Endovascular Stroke Treatment in Canada: Results from the OPTIMISE Registry

BACKGROUND: Telestroke allows rapid assessment of acute stroke patients for intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). While its safety and efficacy for thrombolysis are well established, evidence regarding EVT decision-making via telestroke is scarce. METHODS:...

High Yield of Pharmacogenetic Testing for Clopidogrel Resistance in a Canadian Outpatient Stroke Population

BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed for secondary stroke prevention, but routine pharmacogenetic testing is not typically performed. As the CYP2C19 enzyme activates clopidogrel into its effective form, clopidogrel-treated patients who carry CYP2C19 loss-of-function all...

Clinical Improvement, No Improvement, and Worsening at 24 Hours Following Reperfusion in Patients With Stroke due to Large-Vessel Occlusion

BACKGROUND: Restoring blood flow to ischemic tissue is the cornerstone of acute stroke therapy and is usually beneficial. However, when reperfusion is achieved for severely injured tissue, it is often futile and may occasionally cause harm. We aim to determine the prevalence and...