SUMMARY
Waleed Brinjikji, M.D., performs research focused on improving the treatment of ischemic stroke and brain aneurysms using minimally invasive techniques. For patients with ischemic stroke, Dr. Brinjikji's research is focused on identifying the causes of the blockages in the patient's blood vessel and identifying and improving the devices that are used to remove these blockages.
For patients with brain aneurysms, Dr. Brinjikji's research is focused on the development of new technologies that can improve the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive aneurysm treatment techniques.
Focus areas
- Large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke. Dr. Brinjikji is studying the imaging and histopathological characteristics of clots that cause blockages seen in patients with ischemic stroke. By understanding the clot characteristics, Dr. Brinjikji works to design better devices to more effectively remove the blockages and help patients recover.
- Artificial intelligence in ischemic stroke. Dr. Brinjikji uses artificial intelligence to identify patients who may benefit from minimally invasive treatment techniques for ischemic stroke.
- Intracranial aneurysm treatment. As a leader of the Neurovascular Research Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Brinjikji works hand in hand with the National Institutes of Health and many device companies to develop and study new brain aneurysm treatment devices. Dr. Brinjikji's goal is always to improve the safety and efficacy of brain aneurysm treatment.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Brinjikji's hope is that through his research, better tools will be developed for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and brain aneurysms. Because Dr. Brinjikji's research is all translational in nature, many of his research findings are applied directly to patient care in as little as two years.
Professional highlights
- Assistant medical director focused on strategic research priorities, Business Development, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Program director/principal investigator, R01 grant for research in acute ischemic stroke, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2018-present.
- Social media editor, Stroke, 2017-present.
- Associate editor, Journal of Neuroradiology, 2016-present.
- Editorial board member, Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2016-present.
- Early Career Innovator Award, Medical Excellence Capital and Mayo Clinic Department of Business Development, 2024.