Clinical Services

The management of stroke requires rapid response in the acute phase as well as multidisciplinary, team-based medical care. The Stroke Center at Osaka University Hospital was established to provide such a comprehensive system of care.
Our center primarily accepts stroke patients through the Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center, where physicians from Emergency Medicine, Neurosurgery, and Neurology are on duty 24 hours a day. Following acute management, we collaborate closely with the Departments of Radiology, Rehabilitation, Nursing, and the Patient Support Center, as well as with community hospitals including convalescent rehabilitation facilities. Through this coordinated approach, we provide seamless care aimed at secondary prevention, rehabilitation, and ultimately, return to home and society.
For patients with mild symptoms or those seeking stroke prevention, board-certified stroke specialists provide outpatient care in the Neurology and Neurosurgery clinics, accepting referrals from neighboring medical institutions on a daily basis.
A multidisciplinary stroke conference is held weekly, primarily for hospitalized patients but also including outpatients when necessary. Physicians from multiple departments discuss treatment strategies to determine the most appropriate approach beyond traditional medical or surgical boundaries.
Approximately 500 patients are treated annually at our center, about half of whom are in the acute phase. We manage a wide range of cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack (TIA), as well as complex conditions associated with rare or systemic diseases.

Diagnostic and Treatment Capabilities

The Stroke Center provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services on a 24-hour basis.

Major Diagnostic Examinations

• Cerebral angiography
• Carotid ultrasonography
• Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Lower-extremity venous ultrasonography
• Cerebral blood flow SPECT and PET imaging

Major Treatments

In addition to medical therapy, we offer the following specialized interventions:

• Endovascular Treatments：
  Mechanical thrombectomy/ Carotid artery stenting/ Endovascular coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms
• Surgical Treatments：
  Aneurysm clipping/ Carotid endarterectomy/ Bypass surgery (extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass) (CEA)

In close collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, we are actively involved in the prevention of cardioembolic stroke through advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including implantable cardiac monitors (ICM), patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, and left atrial appendage closure.

Key Features

• Multidisciplinary, Multispecialty Team-Based Care
  More than 50 registered staff members, led by stroke specialists, collaborate across departments to deliver comprehensive team-based care.
• Close Collaboration with the Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center
  For severe stroke cases, initial management is performed jointly with emergency medicine specialists. Head CT imaging can be obtained immediately upon arrival, and contrast-enhanced CT and MRI can be performed without delay.
• Rapid Delivery of Hyperacute Stroke Treatment
  Intravenous thrombolysis (t-PA) and mechanical thrombectomy are available 24 hours a day. Prompt treatment is also provided for cerebral aneurysms and other conditions requiring urgent surgical intervention.
• Advanced Evaluation of Cardioembolic Stroke
  In collaboration with cardiology, we actively perform echocardiography, ICM-based arrhythmia monitoring, and PFO closure procedures.
• Management of Patients with Complex Systemic Conditions
  When necessary, we coordinate with related specialties to ensure safe and comprehensive care for patients with complex comorbidities.

Referral Information

When referring patients, please specify the preferred department for the initial consultation (Neurosurgery or Neurology). A board-certified stroke specialist from the respective department will be responsible for the initial evaluation.

Clinical Units

Outpatient Services

Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center／Department of Neurosurgery (Outpatient Clinic)／Department of Neurology (Outpatient Clinic)

Outpatient Clinic Schedule

Our stroke outpatient clinics are available on weekdays and are staffed by experienced physicians specializing in stroke care.

Inpatient Services

Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center／West 13th Floor Ward／East 8th Floor Ward (Stroke Care Unit: SCU)