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Since 1991, Mercy patients have had the opportunity to participate in clinical stroke research to advance stroke care. Many have received "investigational agents," new drugs under development to reduce brain damage and improve clinical outcomes.
Mercy was the first local provider to participate in national clinical trials for stroke treatment, including a major multi-center trial that studied t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) in stroke patients. This groundbreaking stroke research led directly to the FDA's 1996 approval of Activase - the first treatment available for acute ischemic stroke patients.
Mercy and Dignity Health researchers have established a track record in determining the best treatments for stroke prevention. Examples of successful findings include the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy surgery and the effectiveness of clopidogrel (Plavix) for the prevention of a second stroke. Current clinical trials at Mercy include investigating agents designed to restore blood flow to ischemic brain tissue quickly or to provide neuroprotection.
The Mercy Stroke Center also seeks to develop better therapeutic and rehabilitative measures for stroke patients. The best treatment may require the availability of several safe and effective agents that work by different mechanisms - a combination sometimes referred to as a "stroke cocktail."
The Mercy Stroke Center is currently participating in research trials. Patients experiencing stroke are screened in the Emergency Department by Stroke Center staff and may be eligible for the study.
For more information about stroke research trials,
call (916) 453-4233. |
