We are talking about a less invasive surgical advancement when it comes to treating patients with hemorrhagic strokes.
The technology allows doctors to remove blood clots from the brain that could not be removed before.
Dr. Inam Kureshi, a Neurosurgeon and Chief of Neurosurgery at Hartford Hospital.
Q. First, explain to our viewers what a hemorrhagic stroke is…
A. A hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain suddenly begins to leak into the brain tissue or its surrounding structures. It can cause anything from a severe headache to life-threatening coma and death. 30% of patients who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke will die due to its severe neurological effects.
Q. The device is called the “Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device” …explain how this works?
A. This is a newly designed minimally invasive suction device that is inserted through a small slender endoscope which is then used to suction the blood out of the brain in the least traumatic fashion. If it is used correctly, it can often remove a large blood clot from deep in the brain through a small incision and bur hole without causing damage to surrounding structures. Not all patients with hemorrhagic strokes will be candidates for this procedure.
Q. What was typically done for patients with hemorrhagic strokes prior to this new technology?
A. Typically, most patients who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke are treated medically which involves them being closely monitored in a neurological ICU for BP control, brain swelling and further bleeding to try to limit the secondary effects that causes further neurological injury. The only other invasive option was to perform a large craniotomy which was extremely invasive and has not shown significant benefit over medical treatment.
Q. You have performed a number of cases since it was introduced at Hartford Hospital in November…how have patients done with this type of surgery?
A. We have done five procedures so far since November 2019. Most of the patients have done well but unfortunately one patient did succumb to a complication unrelated to the procedure. As you can understand, many of these patients come to the hospital in critical condition and oftentimes this is the only procedure that can be offered to improve their quality of life. The other four patients that had this procedure were discharged to acute rehab with a much shorter length of stay in the hospital when compared to those who have not had the procedure.
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