The Global Stroke Community Reunited for the WSC 2023

19 Oct 2023

With an impressive turnout of over 3600 participants from 106 countries, the 15^th World Stroke Congress (WSC 2023) marked a significant gathering of the global stroke community in Toronto and online. Our unified mission is clear: to collaboratively reduce the burden of stroke across the world.

The WSC, which took place on 10-12 October 2023, emphasized on advancements in prevention, acute treatment, and recovery, leading to notable enhancements in stroke care worldwide.

“We were thrilled to have brought together professionals dedicated to advancing stroke care,” said Sheila Martins, President of the WSO. “WSC 2023 was more than just a congress; it was a movement. By connecting with a global network of experts and advocates, we are driving forward the mission of providing the best possible care to stroke patients everywhere.”

Throughout three full days, participants delved into the latest scientific discoveries, clinical trials, new healthcare delivery models, biomarkers, and updated guidelines around the continuum of stroke care. Furthermore, attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 18 CME credits, which were accredited by the esteemed Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and endorsed by the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation.

“The WSC 2023 is a wonderful platform for professionals from around the world to connect, collaborate, and commit to delivering high-quality care for patients with stroke and cerebrovascular disease, said Sean Savitz, Co-Chair of the WSC and Director of the Stroke Institute at UTHealth-Houston. “The congress promotes high-quality research, emphasizes implementation of evidence-based practice, and fosters a united stroke community.”

/WSO Certification of Stroke Centers/

“From the Canadian Stroke Consortium (CSC), we are proud to partner with the WSO and host the congress in Toronto,” said Ashkan Shoamanesh, Co-Chair of the WSC, Board of Directors of the CSC, and immediate past Chair of the CSC Research Committee from McMaster University. “Essential to the mission of the congress is the promotion of rigorously designed randomized trials. Several large, high-impact clinical trials were presented at the congress.”

Clinical Trials Highlights

In the clinical trial sessions, Prof. Götz Thomalla from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf presented the TENSION trial showing that endovascular thrombectomy improved functional outcomes and reduced mortality in patients with large infarcts in hospitals using only a non-contrast CT scan.

“TENSION shows that just using a pragmatic standard of care approach to acute stroke imaging, we can guide thrombectomy in stroke patients with a large core, improve outcomes, and save lives,” Prof. Thomalla explains

Prof. Stuart Connolly, McMaster University / Population Health Research Institute presented the ANNEXa-I trial which provides the first randomized evidence that a direct reversal agent (andexanet alfa) of an anticoagulant (factor Xa inhibitors) improves hemostatic efficacy relative to usual care in patients with direct oral anticoagulant-associated intracranial hemorrhage.

The ATTEST-2 trial, funded by the British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association, found that tenecteplase was non-inferior to alteplase (rtPA) in a large randomized clinical trial. Prof. Keith Muir from the University of Glasgow as the PI of ATTEST-2 explained: “This result adds to the growing evidence that tenecteplase should be a first line thrombolytic agent for the treatment of suitable acute ischemic stroke patients and has significant advantages over current treatment in its ease of use.”

Save the Date for WSC 2024!

As we bid farewell to Toronto, we want to make sure you mark your calendars for the 16th World Stroke Congress (WSC 2024), set to take place from October 23-26, 2024, in the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi, UAE!

Join us in Abu Dhabi to continue the momentum, share your expertise, and be part of the vital conversations that are shaping the future of stroke care and research. Stay tuned for updates, registration details, and more information in the coming months, and feel free to spread the word about the upcoming edition of the World Stroke Congress.

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