The World Stroke Organization (WSO) today announced a global partnership with Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) to increase stroke awareness through several initiatives. The two organizations will work together to educate, raise awareness and support effective management of patients who have strokes.

The partnership, announced at the 2016 Annual Scientific Session of the Chinese Stroke Association (CSA) and Tiantan International Stroke Conference (TISC) in Beijing, will focus on continued growth of stroke awareness through the Stroke is Treatable World Stroke Day campaign; implementation of the WSO's new global stroke services guidelines: The Roadmap to Delivering Quality Stroke Care; and, supporting WSO's global clinical educational programs including the World Stroke Academy and teaching courses.

Every year, approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke. Of these, nearly five million die and another five million are left permanently disabled. Fortunately, the prospects for preventing and treating stroke are far better today than even five years ago. Technologies such as the stent retriever are making huge strides in treating stroke, while insertable cardiac monitors are helping physicians detect atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke patients, enabling them to provide treatment to potentially prevent a recurrent stroke.

"Recognizing the signs of stroke early, treating it as a medical emergency with admission to a specialized stroke unit, and providing access to the best professional care can substantially improve outcomes," said WSO President, Professor Stephen Davis. "We are calling for everyone to take action, drive awareness and push for better access to stroke treatments, and we are delighted to have Medtronic join us in the fight against stroke."

WSO's teaching courses are clinical education courses tailored to individual countries' needs. This year's programs will address evidence-based approaches to stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation and will focus on improving stroke services specifically in Beijing, the Philippines and Hyderabad, India. In addition, the World Stroke Academy provides a digital teaching option to reach all member countries with educational programming on stroke.

"Medtronic is committed to fighting stroke across the globe and an important step in that direction is ensuring that the proper clinical education tools are available," said Stacey Pugh, vice president and general manager of the Neurovascular business at Medtronic. "WSO provides dynamic education programs utilizing various mediums to reach a broad swath of caregivers in the stroke field. We're proud to help bring these targeted courses to countries working to improve stroke care."

In 2016, the World Stroke Campaign will focus on the treatability of stroke, recognizing that although stroke is a complex medical issue, there are ways to significantly reduce its impact. In addition, awareness of stroke signs and symptoms plays a critical role and is a focus of the partnership's efforts.

"Medtronic and WSO share the commitment of improving care for patients who have experienced stroke," said Nina Goodheart, vice president and general manager of the Diagnostics and Monitoring business at Medtronic. "We recognize the importance of advancing care for these patients and will work together with the WSO to continue to make this a priority."

About the WSO
The World Stroke Organization (world-stroke.org) is the world's leading organization in the fight against stroke. Established in October 2006, WSO's mission is to reduce the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment and long-term care. With individual and organizational members worldwide, including stroke support groups, WSO is the global voice for stroke and the only international stroke NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. 

Contacts:
Victoria Gray
Campaign and Fundraising Manager
World Stroke Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel +31 655 183 711
Email campaigns@world-stroke.org
www.worldstrokecampaign.org 

David T. Young
External Communications Director, Neurovascular
Medtronic
Mansfield, MA
Tel 508 452 1644
Email david.t.young@medtronic.com
www.medtronic.com