Mega Doctor News
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During a stroke, “time is brain,” as healthcare providers say. That’s because every minute a stroke goes untreated, an estimated 1.9 million brain cells die, which can lead to long-term disability, even death.
But Rio Grande Valley residents can count on the Comprehensive Stroke Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, part of the South Texas Health System Neurosciences & Stroke Institute – the largest provider of stroke care in the four-county region. Through its designation, STHS McAllen has demonstrated a high quality of care and positive outcomes for stroke patients in the community.
While there are several types of strokes, an ischemic stroke is among the most common, making up 85% of all strokes, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Typically affecting people 65 years and older, ischemic strokes occur when there’s a lack of blood flow to the brain. To restore blood flow and prevent further brain damage, an endovascular thrombectomy is performed to remove a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain. The sooner the procedure is completed, the better chance the patient has of fully recovering or having less disability.
STHS McAllen’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, which performed 40 thrombectomy procedures in 2023 and 37 so far in 2024, has been officially certified as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, a non-profit organization committed to advancing safety and quality, as well as transforming health care, by encouraging, empowering and supporting health care organizations to embrace quality improvement.
The advanced certification, awarded in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, recognizes facilities like STHS McAllen that meet rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomies and provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for stroke patients.
“This certification is a testament to South Texas Health System’s commitment to providing the highest level of quality, compassionate care to stroke patients,” says Veronica Olivarez, BSN, RN, Director of Neurosciences, South Texas Health System. “As the anchor facility of the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute, STHS McAllen is dedicated to providing the highest standard of clinical service, including endovascular thrombectomies and post-procedural care, to improve patient outcomes.”
The time frame for a thrombectomy depends on the type of stroke and the patient’s condition. Though, the recommended time window is within six hours of the onset of symptoms. Since minutes matter during a stroke, it’s imperative that staff across STHS’ 10 stroke-capable facilities understand the significant role thrombectomies play in helping a patient recover fully or at the least experience less disability following a stroke. So, STHS staff members receive special certificates when they help ensure stroke patients swiftly undergo a thrombectomy.
“Rio Grande Valley residents can count on the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute for exceptional, rapid stroke care, including comprehensive stroke care at STHS McAllen with advanced thrombectomy capabilities, all provided in a timely manner by highly trained professionals committed to improving the outcome for every stroke patient,” says Olivarez. “Through certifications like this one, STHS is strengthening our community’s confidence in the quality and safety of the care, treatment and services we provide.”
Comprised of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at STHS McAllen, the Primary Stroke Centers at STHS Edinburg and STHS Heart and the system’s six Acute Stroke Ready Hospital-certified freestanding emergency departments, the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute was recently awarded the Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award for the fifth consecutive year by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The highest honor bestowed to facilities by the non-profit organizations, the gold award recognizes facilities with proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care for 24 consecutive months or more.
For more information on the STHS Neurosciences & Stroke Institute and the services provided across its facilities, including the comprehensive stroke services offered at STHS McAllen, visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
