Presentation Description
Institution: Northern Health - Victoria, Australia
Background:
In December 2019, Northern Health introduced a Neuro-Vascular multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) to coordinate management of shared patients. While MDMs are widely adopted across multiple specialties, concerns exist regarding potential delays in care. This study aimed to assess whether the Neuro-Vascular MDM delayed intervention for symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, and whether it influenced patient outcomes.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted at Northern Health from January 2015 to May 2025. Patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease were identified using perioperative coordinator records and the Australasian Vascular Audit. Demographics, indications, timing of intervention, and 30-day outcomes (stroke, TIA, mortality) were collected from electronic records. Patients were stratified into pre- and post-MDM groups, and comparative analyses were performed.
Results:
Over 125 months, 270 carotid procedures were performed - 245 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) and 25 carotid artery stents (CAS). Mean number of procedures per month rose slightly after MDM implementation (2.02 increasing to 2.28/month, p = 0.32). The proportion of symptomatic cases increased significantly post-MDM (86.0% vs. 76.7%; p = 0.048). There was a trend toward earlier intervention, with 75% of post-MDM CEAs performed within two weeks of symptoms compared to 65% pre-MDM (p = 0.14). Thirty-day stroke and mortality rates remained similar (2.5% pre-MDM vs. 4.0% post-MDM; p = 0.74).
Conclusion:
The introduction of a Neuro-Vascular MDM was associated with a significant increase in symptomatic carotid interventions, without delaying care or increasing perioperative rates of stroke and mortality. These findings suggest potential benefits of multidisciplinary implementation without compromising patient outcomes.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Ashton Arthur - , Mr Shrikkanth Rangarajan -