Medical device leader urges stronger public awareness and proactive patient education as stroke rates rise in the U.S.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / David Ferrera, a longtime innovator in interventional radiology and neurovascular medicine, is calling for renewed national attention on cerebral venous sinus diseases and early intervention. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience developing life-saving medical devices and working alongside physicians, Ferrera is urging communities, health organizations, and individuals to take simple, proactive steps that can dramatically reduce the impact of venous sinus diseases, a leading cause of reduction in quality of life and disability in the United States.
Ferrera, CEO of RC Medical and Chairman of Sonorous Neuro, says the message is straightforward: better awareness improves and saves lives.
"We still lose too many people simply because they didn't recognize the warning signs fast enough," Ferrera said. "I've spent my entire career building tools that help treat stroke once it happens. But the truth is, prevention and early action are even more powerful. That also applies to improving quality of life in new areas in the brain such as venous sinus stenosis"
A Growing National Crisis
According to the American Heart Association:
Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds.
Nearly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke every year.
One in four stroke survivors will have another stroke.
Early treatment can reduce disability by up to 80%, but only if symptoms are recognized quickly.
Ferrera says these numbers highlight the gap between what medical technology can do and what the public understands.
"The tools have advanced faster than the education," he explained. "Doctors now have powerful ways to remove clots and restore blood flow. But none of it matters if patients arrive too late. Although physicians are getting better tools for stroke treatment, they need better tools, on-label to diagnose and treat patients with symptoms caused by venous sinus stenosis."
Why Ferrera Is Speaking Out Now
Ferrera, known for developing early thrombectomy systems, leading neurovascular startups, and holding more than 100 medical device patents, has watched the field transform. Despite these advancements, he says the biggest barrier to improving outcomes is still awareness.
"I've sat in operating rooms for decades, and the most heartbreaking cases are the ones that could have been prevented or treated sooner," he said. "Families don't forget those moments. Neither do physicians."
The push also aligns with Ferrera's long involvement with the American Heart and Stroke Association, including serving as Chair for the Orange County Heart & Stroke Ball in 2020 and 2021.
Key Warning Signs the Public Should Know
Ferrera emphasizes a simple acronym everyone should memorize: FAST.
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911
"If there's even a small chance someone is having a stroke, don't wait. Don't second-guess. Call 911 immediately," Ferrera said. "Time lost is brain lost."
A Call to Action: What Individuals Can Do Today
Rather than focusing solely on policy or institutional change, Ferrera's message centers on what individuals can do right now to protect themselves and others:
1. Learn the FAST signs. Teach them to your family.
A 30-second conversation today can save a life tomorrow.
2. Know your personal risk factors.
High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol all raise risk levels.
3. Keep regular checkups.
"Simple screenings can catch problems early," Ferrera said. "Preventing a stroke is far easier than treating one."
4. Encourage workplaces and schools to hold stroke awareness sessions.
Ferrera notes that many people still don't realize stroke affects all ages.
5. Share verified stroke education materials.
"Good information spreads fast, bad information spreads faster. Be the person who shares the right version," he added.
Why Awareness Matters to Him Personally
Although Ferrera has spent most of his career building devices that help after a stroke occurs, he sees public education as the most important lever for improving outcomes.
"The best stroke is the one that never happens, or the one caught early enough to treat," he said. "Technology can only take us so far. Knowledge fills the rest of the gap."
About David Ferrera
David Ferrera is an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in interventional radiology and neurovascular device innovation. He currently serves as CEO of RC Medical, a venture studio developing physician-driven medical technologies, and CEO/Chairman of Sonorous Neuro. Ferrera has founded multiple medical device companies, holds more than 80 patents, and has served on numerous medical and nonprofit boards, including the American Heart and Stroke Association.
Contact:info@davidferrera.com
SOURCE: David Ferrera
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