ISC 2026 | Practice regulatory frameworks in Japan to increase timely access to thrombectomy
Hiroshi Yamagami, MD, PhD, Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan, discusses the practice regulatory frameworks that are being put in place in Japan and beyond to increase timely access to thrombectomy. Prof. Yamagami notes that while the number of thrombectomy-capable stroke centers and comprehensive stroke centers has increased, there are regional discrepancies. This interview took place at the 2026 International Stroke Congress (ISC), held in New Orleans, LA.
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Transcript
As you know, the mechanical thrombectomy is a very effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion. And after the thrombectomy, the efficacy of thrombectomy is a problem. The Japanese Stroke Society has studied the certification system for the primary stroke centers and also the primary stroke center core. PSC core means like thrombectomy-capable stroke centers and also the comprehensive stroke centers...
As you know, the mechanical thrombectomy is a very effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion. And after the thrombectomy, the efficacy of thrombectomy is a problem. The Japanese Stroke Society has studied the certification system for the primary stroke centers and also the primary stroke center core. PSC core means like thrombectomy-capable stroke centers and also the comprehensive stroke centers. And the number of the PSC cores, a 67% increase in these five years, nearly five years. And the number of the MT operators is also increasing nationwide. But the regional discrepancy is paradoxically widened because maybe the reason is that in the urban area, many doctors get MT operators and they concentrate in the urban area, but the rural area is seeing a decrease in the number of doctors, and so the equity is not balanced between the two areas in Japan.
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