iCure Stroke

Dear Colleagues,

The care of acute ischemic stroke has evolved at a dramatic pace over the past five years. We are all rejoiced by the overwhelming progress and enthusiasm since the publication of the five trials in 2015. However, we are far from reaching the boundaries of ideal stroke treatment.

Challenges of Modern Stroke Treatment
Indications for mechanical thrombectomy, techniques, and alternative methods are constantly expanding. In this context of arduous debate, it is difficult not to be overrun by the numerous variables that need to be taken into consideration in decision making.

From patient NIHSS to arrival times, from occlusion location to the degree of infarct burden, from imaging selection to treatment choices, the decisions we make every day, affect outcomes. Moreover, anatomical challenges in the elderly require advanced technical capabilities and experience to achieve complete and timely reperfusion. Procedural standardization improves speed and efficiency. In contrast, treatment algorithms are almost exclusive for each individual case. Stroke intervention is becoming ever more dynamic and custom-made for each unique brain! This notion of "customized care" is surely one of the most singular challenges of stroke intervention.

Beyond the angio-suite, the key for successful stroke intervention is also pre and intra-hospital organization. Our emergency medical systems need to be re-shaped, our institutions need to be remodeled and our intra-hospital workflow optimized. The creation of a "stroke survival chain" has become the one of the most demanding tasks faced by our communities.

iCure Stroke: Mastering Complexity through Simplification
In this complex environment, iCure Stroke aims to provide a practical approach with case-based training and simple take-home messages:
Meeting and learning from world-renowned stroke pioneers,
Decision-making process, expanding indications, use of advanced imaging technologies and simplified imaging paradigms, technical challenges during the cases, stroke survival chain and its obstacles are some of the key points that will set the stage for an open and stimulating debate,
Coming together, high volume stroke center's of Istanbul, offer the highest possibility of stroke live case demonstration with our case load of 90 thrombectomies/month.


iCure Stroke will be an open platform of learning and networking for stroke physicians from all backgrounds. The goal of our multi-disciplinary faculty of neurologists and neuro-radiologists is to promote a spirit of comradery and alignment, with the end goal of improving patient outcomes. In other words: if you are passionate about stroke and looking for genuine constructive debate and improvement, you will feel right at home at iCure Stroke.

Please join us on our mission to bridge therapies and communities.
We look forward to meeting you in Istanbul next 2020!

iCure Stroke Organizing Committee