Newswise — Stroke experts are studying deadly snake venom and vampire bat saliva to dissolve blood clots in stroke victims. One of the trials involves Desmoteplase, a genetically engineered version of a clot-busting agent found in the saliva of a vampire bat that can be given to stroke patients up to nine hours after symptoms appear. The other trial involves Viprinex, an investigational drug derived from a compound found in Malaysian Pit Viper snake venom, called ancrod, which acts as an anti-coagulant in blood. This study may help determine if acute ischemic stroke patients treated with a one-time dose within six hours of the onset of stroke symptoms will have improved neurological function.
"The goal of both experimental drugs is to reduce a naturally occurring substance in the blood that is involved in blood clotting," said Dr. David Chiu, medical director of the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute (NI). "If either of these drugs can effectively and safely dissolve blood clots and reopen blocked blood vessels, then we may have another weapon against stroke."
Investigational neuroprotectant for stroke showing positive signs
The SAINT II clinical trial involving the use of an investigational neuroprotectant, or clot-busting drug, is under way at the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center. This international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focuses on NXY-059, or Cerovive, which is shown to be well tolerated in acute ischemic stroke patients up to six hours after onset of stroke symptoms.
Julia Gilmore does not know if she received the trial drug or a placebo, but she recovered remarkably well within 24 hours of receiving the medication. When an air ambulance brought Gilmore to Methodist, she could not speak or walk. The next day, Gilmore could sit up in bed, speak and lift her arms. She was discharged less than a week later.
Dr. David Chiu, medical director of the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at the Methodist NI, is also looking at Cerovive's benefits as a possible treatment for hemorrhagic stroke, when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
Investigational NeuroFlo device for ischemic stroke
Reducing blood flow to the lower half of a person's body may help treat acute ischemic stroke, a blood clot in the brain. Dr. Richard Klucznik, medical director of the Texas Neurovascular Center at the Methodist NI, is using an investigational device called the NeuroFlo Catheter in ischemic stroke patients.
This investigational device uses a catheter inserted into the leg and guided to the lower aorta. The device has two balloons, each of which is inflated to decrease blood flow to the lower body, which may allow more blood to flow to the brain. The purpose of the study is to determine if an increase of blood flow to the brain will reduce the damage caused by stroke. The study, which began with 18 U.S. patients, has now expanded to include up to 500 patients at 40 U.S. locations.
Interventional stroke treatment uses first FDA-approved brain stent
A stent made specifically for the brain now helps doctors treat stroke patients in a way never done before. For years, cardiac stents were often used, but these devices were not specifically approved for the brain and were less effective.
The Wingspan Stent is the first FDA-approved brain stent designed specifically for the brain's fragile vessels and allows physicians the maneuverability to handle the twists and turns to place the stent in an artery and open the blockage, according to Dr. Richard Klucznik, medical director of the Texas Neurovascular Center. Once deployed, the metal mesh opens to form the shape of a tube, forcing the artery to re-open, and reestablishing blood flow.
Implanted pump targets spasticity in stroke patients
An implantable device the size of a hockey puck is changing lives in stroke patients who suffer from spasticity. The Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB), implanted in the abdomen, continuously delivers the drug Baclofen directly to the spine and can reduce involuntary, abnormal muscle movement common to patients who have suffered a stroke.
Dr. Stanley Fisher, neurologist at the Methodist NI, says patients often experience side effects when taking Baclofen orally. By injecting the drug into the spinal cord, the patient receives a smaller, continuous dose of concentrated medication without the unwanted side effects. The pump is a lightweight, refillable device that holds up to 90 days supply of Baclofen, a drug that is known to help control spasticity.
About the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center
With 18-beds, the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute (NI) is the largest dedicated stroke unit in Texas, and a designated primary stroke center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Center is a leader in all areas of stroke research, including diagnosis, innovative treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery.
About the Methodist Neurological Institute
The Methodist Neurological Institute houses the practice and research activities of the departments of neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology of The Methodist Hospital. The close collaboration between these departments offers patients the most advanced treatment options currently available. The mission of the NI is to advance the discovery of the origins, mechanisms and treatment of neurological disease and to provide comprehensive care for patients with disorders and injuries of the brain and spinal cord.
The Methodist Hospital is one of the nation's largest private, non-profit general hospitals. Methodist is primarily affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital. The hospital is also affiliated with the University of Houston.
For more on the Methodist Neurological Institute, visit http://www.methodistneuroinstitute.com, or call (713) 790-3333.
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