Stroke Neurointervention: A Novel Educational Pathway to Improve Neurology Resident Training in Neurointervention and Regional Access to Thrombectomy

Abstract

Large vessel occlusions account for ≈30% of acute ischemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly beneficial treatment for large vessel occlusion strokes in appropriately selected patients. However, there is significant geographic variability in regional access to this important therapy, and broadening coverage by using non‐neuroscience specialties places patients at risk for suboptimal cerebrovascular care. An alternative solution is to train more neurologists to perform this procedure and consolidate expertise in vascular neurology. However, neurology residents have minimal exposure to the angiography suite and are disadvantaged in this regard when it comes to preparedness for fellowship training. We detail a novel training pathway incorporating neuroendovascular training into the adult neurology residency and an option to continue hybridized stroke–neurointervention training in a vascular neurology fellowship. Here, we present the development of the training curriculum, early trainee experience, and challenges to widespread implementation. The stroke–neurointervention training pathway was created with the intention of improving access to this important therapy by enfolding early training into neurology residency.