HCA Florida Capital Hospital, a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, currently serves the Big Bend Region as a Primary Stroke Center. As part of the hospitals commitment to advance the level of services to a higher level of stroke care, HCA Florida Capital Hospital is proud to announce, we are now a thrombectomy-capable facility.
Hospital capabilities in stroke care are vital to the community it serves. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” effects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.
A mechanical thrombectomy, which neuro-interventionalists can perform, is an endovascular intervention to remove a blood clot from an artery or vein. The procedure can restore blood flow to legs, arms, intestines, kidneys, brain or other vital organs. A thrombectomy can greatly reduce the risk of death or permanent disability if performed promptly.
Trey Blake, MD, Chief Medical Officer of HCA Florida Capital Hospital, says, “Becoming a thrombectomy-capable facility has been a team effort that has involved almost every department in the hospital. “This required teamwork from the emergency department, intensive care unit, radiology, laboratory, nursing, respiratory, rehabilitation, as well as multiple medical specialties, such as neurology, vascular and cardiology.” “This advancement provides the resources and commitment to provide quality stroke care. It is a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. Achieving this milestone validates the effort we have put into this program to ensure the health and safety of our patients,” Blake said.
Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers do all that Primary Stroke Centers do, plus have the tools and the expertise to perform mechanical thrombectomy, as well as neuro-intensive care and 24/7 on-site critical care coverage.
