Stroke Thrombectomy

Clot Removal for Stroke Victims

When it comes to stroke, time is critical. It’s important to know the signs of a stroke so you can BE FAST. St. Luke's offers both the traditional clot-busting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), along with endovascular thrombectomies, the most advanced stroke treatment option. With stroke thrombectomy, more of the brain can be saved.

Stroke victims who arrive at St. Luke’s Emergency Department are immediately assessed. If criteria are met, they are given a computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA). This allows physicians to determine the location and size of the clot. Large-vessel ischemic stroke patients may be good candidates for an endovascular thrombectomy.

This procedure is performed by interventional radiologists in the hybrid operating room at St. Luke’s Surgical & Procedural Care. By inserting a catheter into the patient’s leg and the clot can be removed. This instantly restores blood flow to the brain.

The sooner the patient is assessed and rushed into the hybrid OR, the better the outcomes.

To learn more, contact St. Luke's Stroke Program Coordinator Stan Sadenwasser at 218.249.5652 or stan.sadenwasser@slhduluth.com.