Interventional Stroke Treatment

The Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute Comprehensive Stroke Program has board-certified interventional neuroradiologists available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These expert physicians provide patients an expanded window for treatment ranging from 3 hours up to 8-12 hours following the onset of stroke symptoms.

 

Innovative Stroke Treatment and Technology

The interventional neuroradiology (INR) team uses our state-of-the-art neuro biplane suite to perform cerebral angigograms to locate the problem and determine the best course of treatment. A cerebral angiogram is a minimally invasive neuroangiography procedure involving the use of x-rays, contrast, and sophisticated computer software to create real-time images from inside the blood vessels of the brain.

The team is specially trained in ischemic stroke treatment administered during the angiogram with either an infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) directly into the blockage or the use of a clot-retrieval device. These procedures are minimally invasive, requiring short hospital stays with decreased recovery times and reduced procedural risks.

 

Access to Advances in Stroke Prevention and Treatment

Our dedicated neurosciences team is determined to uncover advances in stroke prevention and treatment by actively participating in stroke clinical trials. This gives our patients access to select treatments before they are widely available.

One of our current trials is the Interventional Management of Stroke III (IMS III)—a multi-center study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Alexian Brothers Medical Center enrolled its first patient in December 2006 and continues to actively enroll new patients.

“We are very enthusiastic about this important stroke trial and are pleased to be able to actively contribute to the evidence driving stroke care,” says Dr. Tim Malisch, Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Alexian Brothers Medical Center.

 

Physician Urgent Stroke and Neurovascular Transfer Line

The urgent transfer line through the Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute is a unique service to make the highest-quality stroke care available to everyone.