MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO)-Cutting edge technology being used at a Twin Cities hospital could change the treatment for stroke patients.
Abbott Northwestern is a comprehensive stroke center and specializes in a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy.
Doctors use a machine with a catheter and suction to remove the stroke-causing blood clot, essentially like a miniature vacuum.. The recovery time can be much quicker than the traditional procedure of using medication to dissolve a clot.
Few understand the impact of a fast recovery better than Kyle Smith. Two months ago, Smith was being rushed intoAbbott Northwestern.A blood clot in his carotid artery caused a massive stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body and his ability to speak.
Ill tell you, its a life changing experience, for sure, Smith said.It really gave me a glimpse as towhat life looks like after youve had a serious stroke.
Dr. Yasha Kadkhodayan performed the mechanical thrombectomy.
The tools we used today and that I had available to me for Kyle, were not available even a year to 18 months ago, Kadkhodayan said.
While most stroke recovery can take weeks, even months, Smith started regaining movement and speech almost immediately.
This is one of those special cases where you see someone just improve right before your eyes,Kadkhodayan said.
Smith was even more elated.
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New Clot-Suction Technique Has Stroke Patients On The Mend