Saint Francis Healthcare is pleased to announce it recently earned the Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). This certification signifies the hospital meets rigorous standards for performing mechanical endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), a specialized surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from the brain during an ischemic stroke.

To be eligible for the certification, the hospital was required to meet strict guidelines that included performing EVT on a minimum of 15 patients in the past year or 30 patients in the past two years, and the capability to perform EVT around the clock, seven days a week. The hospital’s primary neurointerventionalists – the physicians who routinely perform emergency mechanical thrombectomy – also must meet the highest standards of subspecialty training.

“Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has thoroughly demonstrated a high level of care for patients experiencing a potentially life-altering stroke,” said Dr. Audrey Gregory, market chief executive officer, Saint Francis Healthcare. “We are excited to receive this recognition honoring our team for the work they do to serve the healthcare needs of the Mid-South community.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 87 percent of cases are ischemic strokes caused by a clot that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain. These types of strokes are largely treatable if a patient gets to a hospital that can provide the right treatment in time.

“With the recent advances in endovascular therapies for acute ischemic stroke, it’s important to recognize hospitals which can perform this critical intervention safely and effectively, and we commend Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis on this designation,” said Edward C. Jauch, MD, chair of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Hospital Accreditation Stroke Subcommittee. “The TSC certification helps pre-hospital providers better understand hospital stroke capabilities and assist in regional EMS triage of stroke patients so that the patient gets to the right hospital for the right treatment.”

“The Joint Commission congratulates Saint Francis Hospital on this significant achievement which makes it a preferred location for transporting patients with suspected ischemic stroke,” said David Baker, MD, MPH, FACP, executive vice president, Division of Health Care Quality Evaluation, The Joint Commission. “Multiple studies have proven EVT treatment to be effective in saving lives and lowering disability from stroke.”

To coordinate an interview about this advanced certification and stroke services at Saint Francis Hospital, please contact Communications Manager, Laura Clark, at 205-490-3206 or [email protected].