INTRODUCTION
Ischemic stroke (IS) remains a serious medical and social issue due to its high prevalence, mortality, and resulting disability. Reperfusion therapy is an effective method of treating patients with IS.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the results of implementation of reperfusion technologies for the treatment of IS in the Russian Federation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The analysis was based on nationwide data collected from 2015 through the first quarter of 2025. The following indicators were assessed: the proportion of IS patients admitted to stroke units within the first 4.5 hours after symptom onset; the frequency of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT), including the use of telemedicine technologies for IVT administration; the rate of thrombectomy; and the hospital mortality rate from IS. The implementation of telemedicine technologies was evaluated based on the presence of teleconsulted primary stroke units (tele-PSUs) in each region and the proportion of IS patients who received IVT in tele-PSUs.
RESULTS
Over the study period, an increase was observed in the proportion of IS patients admitted within 4.5 hours of symptom onset — from 23% in 2015 to 31% in 2024. The frequency of IVT and thrombectomy procedures increased from 2% and 0.1% in 2015 to 10.2% and 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025, respectively. The rate of IVT performed in tele-PSUs in 2024 was 13.6% of IS patients admitted to tele-PSUs. The ischemic stroke mortality rate decreased from 16.8% in 2015 to 12.6% in the first quarter of 2025.
CONCLUSIONS
Reperfusion therapy technologies for IS are being actively implemented across the country, significantly improving clinical approaches to stroke management. Increasing the number of reperfusion procedures will contribute to improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality, and increase the number of individuals achieving favorable recovery of neurological functions.