Last year, I had the privilege of becoming the first in the world to use a newly developed guiding catheter to treat hemorrhagic stroke, which is a life-threatening condition caused by bleeding from an aneurysm or vascular malformation (often referred to as an AVM) in the brain.
This minimally invasive technique, known as endovascular embolization, allowed me to navigate the delicate brain arteries with precision, using a catheter to deliver a stent to repair the ruptured vessel. The procedure can also be used to prevent aneurysms from bursting, preventing a hemorrhagic stroke from ever occurring. Similarly, we can also perform endovascular treatment for strokes caused by blocked blood flow in the brain (known as an ischemic stroke), but that catheter is much larger in diameter. Compared to traditional open surgery for an aneurysm or AVM, this approach significantly reduces trauma, recovery time, and risk to the patient.
I have 30 years of experience and have practiced at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital for seven of those years. Because of that experience, I was able to play a role in the development of this new catheter, and I got to see the immediate impact of this innovation. That first patient I treated with the catheter had suffered a bleeding stroke, and the fast treatment they received was followed by one night in the hospital in the intensive care unit, and a full recovery.
It used to be that when someone suffered a stroke, they often faced life-long impairments. Today we have improved tools, skills, and processes to rapidly diagnose and treat both types of stroke (ones from bleeding or those caused by a blockage in the blood flow) and, like the patient I mentioned, people can fully recover and get back to doing the things they love.
Even though we have those excellent tools and processes, you are often the key factor that determines whether someone has a successful outcome. We still rely on you and your ability to quickly recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and to call 911. Time is brain! The faster we can stop the bleeding (or remove the blockage) – the more likely a patient is to have a better outcome.
A simple way to remember the signs of a stroke is BE FAST:
Balance: Sudden difficulty with balance or coordination
Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain.
Face: Sudden drooping or numbness on one side of the face.
Arm: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech: Sudden difficulty, slurring, or inability to speak.
Time: Time to call 911 if you notice any of these signs.
Donald Frei, MD, is a board-certified neurointerventional surgeon and treats patients at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital.
