Richard Jaynes didn’t initially suspect he was suffering a neurologic event. He recalled feeling unusually clumsy that morning, repeatedly dropping items on the floor. But when he started stumbling, he knew something more serious was going on.
He was rushed to Ascension Sacred Heart Regional Stroke Center, the only nationally-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region. Jaynes learned that he was experiencing warning signs of an impending stroke related to a large artery blockage in his neck, so he was admitted to the stroke service for further care.
Jaynes was at the right place at the right time because the following morning his symptoms worsened. Fortunately for him, the Comprehensive Stroke Center has state-of-the-art infrastructure and staff who can quickly recognize and treat patients with the most complex stroke cases. An in-house stroke alert was called and the acute care response team assessed Jaynes.
Dr. Terry Neill, a critical care neurologist and medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center, utilized advanced imaging technology, called RAPID, to analyze Jaynes’ CT brain scans and determined within minutes that he would benefit from a clot removal procedure.
Dr. Nathan Kohler, an interventional neuroradiologist at Ascension Sacred Heart, took Jaynes directly to surgery. Using image guidance, Kohler routed a stent through a catheter in Jaynes’ groin to the blood vessel in his brain and removed the clot.
Neill said combining leading-edge technology with more treatment interventions can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. This surgical intervention, called a thrombectomy, can decrease a patient’s chances of suffering disability after stroke.
The Regional Stroke Center recently received certification from DNV GL - Healthcare as a national Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence in treating serious stroke events.
Jaynes is a walking example of the benefits of receiving care at a comprehensive stroke center that is best-equipped to treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication.
“The procedure was a terrific success and I credit Dr. Kohler with saving my life,” he said. “I’m lucky that I have no significant effects from the stroke.”
Jaynes said two positive effects of the stroke were that he quit smoking and reduced his workload.
“Everyone at Sacred Heart was exemplary in the way they cared for me,” he said. “I will go nowhere else for my care.”