Stroke Care
Physicians Regional Pine Ridge is a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center
Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, achieving Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) Certification means the Pine Ridge hospital meets rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy and providing post-procedural care. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusive ischemic strokes.
What is tPA?
According to the American Stroke Association, the treatment for ischemic stroke is a clot removal. Patients generally receive tPA (a tissue plasminogen activator) to treat the stroke. Physicians administer this medication via an IV in the arm. The medication works to dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the part of the brain that has the clot.
The mechanical treatment to remove the clot is called an endovascular procedure or a mechanical thrombectomy. Typically patients who meet the criteria have a large vessel occlusion (LVO). During a thrombectomy a physician uses a thread catheter to carry a stent through an artery in the groin up to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent then opens and grabs the clot. The clot is then captured and removed via the catheter in the groin. Special suction tubes can also help to remove the clot.
Not everyone qualifies for a thrombectomy. The procedure typically is done within 6 hours of stroke symptoms. This procedure usually includes tPA being administered first.
What is a Petechial Hemorrhage?
A petechial hemorrhage is when a patient presents with a small brain bleed.
Stroke Data for Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge
The Primary Stroke Centers at Physicians Regional Healthcare System offer advanced care to patients that experience brain attacks. These patients require evidence-based treatment including:
- A 24/7 response team, available at all times to quickly evaluate and initiate treatment for the acute stroke patient
- The first 3T MRI in Southwest Florida, providing better results, faster
- 24-hour teleneurology coverage
- A dedicated, robust clinical team specializing in emergency, radiology, neurology, critical care, respiratory, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology
- Specialized neuro-intensive care unit available and designed with acute and step-down levels of care, with a clinical staff specializing in the treatment and care of patients that have experienced a stroke
- Post-discharge recovery including case management services, education, support groups and outreach for stroke awareness to staff, community, patients and their families.
Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA). This designation is based on standards set by the AHCA that distinguishes hospitals with infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients with all types of strokes.
This means Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge offers:
- 24/7 neuro-interventional radiology coverage
- 24/7 neuro-surgical coverage
- Mechanical thrombectomies, carotid stenting and aneurysm coilings
Physicians Regional - Collier Blvd. is a Primary Stroke Center. This includes:
- Rapid assessment in the emergency room
- Expedited CT scan
- Quick neurological consult
- Administration of clot busting drugs for patients who qualify
- Specialized training for staff
To find out more about the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration stroke center criteria, please visit the ACHA website.
If this is an emergency or you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Our Services
When a patient comes to the hospital with stroke symptoms, it’s crucial to make a proper diagnosis quickly in order to begin treatment — immediate treatment can help avoid or minimize the effects of stroke. Physicians Regional Healthcare System’s experienced stroke team strives to deliver life-saving care. We strive to provide:
- Speed – Treatments given during the first three hours after a stroke can greatly reduce or even reverse the effects of stroke, so our stroke care professionals are ready to jump into action immediately.
- Knowledge – Our doctors, nurses, emergency professionals and other specialists meet high educational standards, and are specially trained to identify stroke symptoms and administer the latest treatments.
- Technology – Our stroke care team utilizes advanced testing and imaging technology, allowing them to identify the type of stroke within minutes so they are able to begin treatment. Our 64-slice CT scanner provides the necessary speed and resolution required for rapid imaging of the brain and blood vessels, so doctors can begin treatment as quickly as possible.
Our trained stroke care team delivers care for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Stroke care begins with diagnosis and continues with therapy, including timely infusion of intravenous clot dissolving medications to treat ischemic strokes.
Our stroke care extends through recovery. Rehabilitation care is designed to help individuals regain their independence, and includes specialized services for stroke recovery. Our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team provides caring, personalized assistance to help patients meet their goals.
Our Team
Physicians Regional Healthcare System has a response team in place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for diagnosis and treatment of the acute stroke patient. Our team of specialists includes:
- EMS personnel
- Physicians: radiology, critical care, ARNPs and PAs
- ER RNs and team
- NSICU/ICU RNs
- Respiratory lab
- Rehab services: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Case management personnel
- Radiology team: CT, MRI, X-ray
- Specialists on call
- Board-certified stroke neurologists, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
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Physicians Regional Healthcare System has been awarded with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s 2021 Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus. Learn more about this here.