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NCH Wingard Stroke Institute Participates in

an Innovative Stroke Evaluation Pilot Study

to Deliver Faster Evaluations for Patients

by Paul Hiltz, NCH President & CEO
very 40 seconds, someone suffers Non-LVO strokes, on the other hand, can be treated effectively
a stroke. While strokes are often with clot-dissolving medications, tPAs, and medical therapy.
Eassociated with older individuals, However, the critical need for rapid action applies to both types of
they can strike at any age. Nationwide, it strokes, from the onset of symptoms to the initiation of treatment.
is the fourth leading cause of death, and Presently, the only way to determine if a patient has an LVO
strokes kill twice as many women every year is to wait for them to reach the hospital. After their arrival,
than breast cancer. Nearly 795,000 people multiple CT scans are performed to visualize the blood vessels and
suffer a stroke every year – resulting in ascertain the presence of an LVO. However, now, when a patient
approximately 133,000 deaths. dials 911, the responding emergency staff can equip the patient
But there is hope. An astonishing 80% of strokes are with a MindRhythm Harmony headset, which provides a 'cranial
preventable, and there are 7 million stroke survivors. NCH is accelerogram.’ This device detects the pulsations of the arteries in
taking a significant stride towards improving these survival the brain. Normal pulsations indicate an absence of blockage, while
rates through its participation in a two-month blinded trial in irregularities signify an LVO. This enables us to detect the presence
collaboration with MindRhythm, a medical technology company of an LVO right in the field, even before the patient arrives at the
dedicated to preventing neurological injury. This collaborative hospital. It's a significant breakthrough.
effort, conducted in partnership with Collier County EMS, If the headset indicates the likelihood of an LVO, the NCH
centers around a groundbreaking system designed for the swift surgical team and operating room are prepared and waiting for
diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients right in the field. the patient's arrival at the hospital, streamlining the evaluation
The best first response to a stroke is time. This is because once and treatment process. This approach shaves off approximately
a blood clot forms, blood flow is restricted. And when blood flow 60 crucial minutes in the treatment timeline, which can make a
to the brain is impeded, 12 million brain cells die every minute substantial difference in patient outcomes.
that passes without treatment. When you observe the signs of Following the trial, an independent third party will
a stroke, call an ambulance, as EMTs can begin evaluation and meticulously scrutinize the data and present the results. This
treatment immediately. groundbreaking collaboration between NCH and MindRhythm
There are two major types of strokes. The first involves a represents a giant leap forward in the realm of stroke care, offering
blockage of a large artery in the brain, referred to as a large vessel patients faster evaluation and treatment, ultimately improving their
occlusion (LVO) stroke. The second type is characterized by chances of survival.
the blockage of a smaller artery in the brain, known as non- For more information about this initiative, please visit nchmd.org.
LVO. For LVO strokes, the standard treatment is a mechanical
thrombectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure involving
the physical removal of a blood clot from the artery using a
catheter inserted through the groin.

74 Life in Naples | December 2023