• Research

    • Crucial Role of Collateral Blood Vessels in Stroke Recovery

    By on February 26, 2024
    Crucial Role of Collateral Blood Vessels in Stroke Recovery

    Blood vessels that interconnect neighboring arterial systems regulate blood flow to the brain in stroke patients. Researchers at the University of Zurich have revealed that these vessels play a crucial role in preventing brain hemorrhage after clot removal treatment. They are essential for the recovery of stroke patients.

    Ischemic strokes pose a significant health challenge, occurring when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes obstructed, leading to decreased blood flow. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients causes symptoms like paralysis, confusion, and even death.

    Despite timely interventions, many stroke patients experience poor recovery. To restore blood flow, the blocked vessel must be cleared through treatments like thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. However, even with prompt clot removal, many patients fail to recover adequately.

    Professor Susanne Wegener’s research team at the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich has demonstrated that the efficacy of these treatments relies on the collateral blood vessel network. These vessels, which bridge adjacent arterial trees, offer alternative pathways in case of blockage, significantly influencing treatment outcomes.

    “These vascular bridges maintain cerebral autoregulation and allow for a slower, gradual reperfusion, which results in smaller infarcts.” – Susanne Wegener, Professor, University of Zurich (UZH)

    “Swift Reperfusion Linked to Increased Mortality in Stroke Patients, Study Finds”

    In their study, researchers led by co-first authors Nadine Binder and Mohamad El Amki utilized a mouse model of stroke along with advanced in vivo imaging techniques to examine alterations in the arterial blood supply. In mice with inadequate collateral circulation, the arterial segments exhibited dysfunction and rigidity post-clot removal. “The rapid reperfusion that ensued led to brain hemorrhaging and elevated mortality,” explains Wegener.

    Subsequently, the researchers corroborated their findings from the mouse model in stroke patients. Those with poor collateral circulation experienced similar swift reperfusion post-clot removal, resulting in minor cerebral hemorrhages and unfavorable recovery outcomes.

    The study highlights the significance of robust arterial connections for improved recovery post-stroke. While the emphasis in stroke treatment has traditionally been on promptly removing blood clots, the adverse effects of rapid reperfusion post-treatment have been overlooked. This study suggests that stroke patients at higher risk of poor recovery could be identified based on the speed of reperfusion during treatment.

    Moving forward, therapeutic strategies for stroke should focus on enhancing collateral function to facilitate beneficial reperfusion post-stroke, concludes Susanne Wegener.

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