Stroke is the leading cause of disability in Pakistan
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A stroke results in decreased blood flow to the brain resulting in death of brain cells.
Watch the short urdu video on stroke symptoms
Remember: “Jab band ho jaye haath, chehra, ya zabaan,
Fauran karo ilaaj,
Bachao apni jaan”
Our Goals
We aim to improve public awareness of stroke & provide support for the development of stroke treatments & stroke physicians.
How We Help
We provide stroke seminars to physicians and allies, improve access to thrombolytic therapy for stroke, promote stroke awareness & research, and help develop center-specific stroke solutions
Why Focus on Stroke in Pakistan?
Stroke can be a reversible condition if treated early and has poor awareness in Pakistan.
Comprehensive stroke treatment is only available at a select few hospitals in Pakistan - this means stroke recovery is often not possible only because of a lack of access to a stroke-ready hospital nearby.
Who Are We?
We are a group of physicians of Pakistani descent who initially started working for stroke care during our vacation back home. As time progressed, we realized the dire need for stroke education and cerebrovascular care development in Pakistan, which is when Karachi Stroke Initiative was formed. We are a non-profit 501C organization based in the United States.
It Started at NICVD
We supported the development of stroke thrombectomy program at NICVD, helped establish the stroke unit, created stroke protocols, and funded the use of AI processing software for the detection of large vessel occlusions (the first in Asia) - called Rapid AI. The stroke thrombectomy program has now expanded to two centers in Interior Sindh - NICVD Sukkur & Tando Muhammad Khan. We continue to provide real-time feedback for patient selection and treatment for stroke patients at NICVD.
Clinical Trials - SEAL for Brain Aneurysms
We initiated the first-in-human aneurysm treatment study using the novel intrasaccular SEAL aneurysm device at Ziauddin University Hospitals in March 2023.
See the Galaxy SEAL aneurysm device in action here!
A giant irregular left posterior cerebral artery aneurysm before treatment
Complete cure of the giant aneurysm with SEAL device without any complications
Before and after images of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm treated with the SEAL device
Clinical Trials - Gravity Stentriever for Stroke Thrombectomy
We were the first enrollment site globally at NICVD for the first-in-human Gravity Supernova Stentriever system. This device is used to remove clots in the brain for ischemic stroke.
Before and after of a wide neck complex left posterior communicating artery aneurysm treated with stent-assisted coiling.
Direct Clinical Treatments
We provide devices and treatment of complex brain aneurysms and vascular malformations free of cost. These are some of the complex brain aneurysm we have recently treated in Pakistan. Devices and catheters used for all procedures were provided by Karachi Stroke Initiative, and in some cases charges for hospitalization as well.
See more on the about stroke page.
Physician Training & Skill Transfer
We have organized numerous clinical workshops across Pakistan to train physicians in stroke thrombectomy and aneurysm treatment, enhancing the skills & techniques of local healthcare professionals and support staff. Additionally, world renowned physicians have travelled to Pakistan with us, providing local doctors the opportunity to work directly under their guidance.
Stroke Awareness Programs
Karachi Stroke Initiative has organized and conducted several stroke awareness programs in Pakistan, targeting young students, physicians, and emergency medical services. Recently, we partnered with physicians across the subcontinent to create a new stroke acronym in Urdu which would be easy for the public to remember: “Jab band ho jaye haath, chehra, ya zabaan, fauran karo ilaaj, bachao apni jaan.” Visit the about strokes page to watch full public awareness video we produced, otherwise see above for the short version.
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Dr. Salman Farooq giving a stroke awareness talk
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Dr. Salahuddin giving a stroke awareness talk at NED University on International Day for Persons with Disability
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Grade 3-9 students listening to a stroke awareness talk given at a local school in Karachi
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Dr. Abdul Hameed Khan giving a stroke awareness talk at Dow University Health Sciences
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Some of the honorary guests at International Persons with Disability Day
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Stroke awareness program at a local clinic in Karachi conducted by Karachi Stroke Initiative
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Dr. Farooq & Abdul Hameed Khan after giving yet another stroke awareness talk for the general public
Physician Seminars
We consistently provide stroke seminars to physicians and nursing staff to improve clinical knowledge regarding the endovascular and clinical management of cerebrovascular diseases.
Dr. Jankowitz, Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Pennsylvania giving a talk in Karachi
Dr. Ossama Zaidat, Professor of Neurology and developer of SEAL aneurysm device at NICVD with Dr. Nadeem Qamar, Director of NICVD
Founders Drs. Zaidi & Salahuddin after the first seminar conducted by Karachi Stroke Initiative
Dr. Zaidat giving a talk to tough mechanical thrombectomies at NICVD during his visit to Pakistan
Dr. Zaidat with physicians at NICVD after a seminar organized by Karachi Stroke Initiative
Drs. Zaidi & Salahuddin after the first seminar conducted by Karachi Stroke Initiative on mechanical thrombectomy techniques
Dr. Jankowitz wearing a native Sindhi hat with Director Dr. Nadeem Qamar NICVD
Dr. Ossama Zaidat and team at Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi
Dr. Zaidi introducing Dr. Jankowitz to the hospitable culture of Pakistan
Dr. Salahuddin giving a talk at a mechanical thrombectomy workshop at PC, Karachi
Drs. Zaidi, Lutfi, and Ali after a seminar and hands-on teaching session