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A diagram from the cdc detailing how to handle a stroke
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System has launched a new stroke treatment program that its doctors say is “improving treatment for stroke patients.”
The health system has implemented the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Stroke Program at three local facilities, St. Elizabeth, St. Mary Mid-County and Jasper Memorial Hospital, and reports high success rates for patients enrolled. According to CHRISTUS, “The program offers the most current approach to treating stroke patients and meets the highest standards of safety goals and standards.”
Two critical elements of the program include the use of TeleSpecialists TeleStroke, a neurology telemedicine service, and the newly implemented Viz.ai technology, an artificial intelligence program linked to imaging services already in place, CHRISTUS reports.
TeleSpecialists TeleStroke provides patients with 24/7 emergency access to neurologists with extensive experience treating strokes. This technological treatment begins as soon as a patient with stroke-like symptoms goes to the emergency room in an ambulance. When that happens, a hospital-wide “Stroke Alert” may be issued. The clinical team stands by and deploys video conferencing technology through TeleSpecialists TeleStroke, which connects them to a board-certified neurologist. Mounted on a mobile cart, the telemedicine technology allows a neurologist to participate in all aspects of the neurological exam – from the CT scan to the physical exam and patient interview – before recommending a course of treatment.
“Our patients receive the care they need incredibly fast. With a collaborative approach, a tele-neurologist is on screen and ready to evaluate the patient within minutes of any consult request,” said Registered Nurse Brenda Hatch, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Hospital-St. Elizabeth Hospital Program Manager and Stroke Coordinator. “We are ready to take care of our stroke patients here in Southeast Texas and are passionate about saving lives.”
Viz.ai is also a critical and beneficial resource in the Stroke Alert process. Viz.ai, known for its Intelligent Care Coordination platform, improves multidisciplinary care team communication and offers high-fidelity mobile image viewing as well as detailed patient information, including real-time status changes. A patient’s stroke symptoms could include the detection of a large vessel blockage. That is information Viz.ai picks up instantaneously. Then, this information gets deployed to renowned physicians at various comprehensive stroke centers in Texas. If necessary, a patient transfer could be initiated. The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System is the first in the Southeast Texas Region to implement Viz.ai.
“This is a cutting-edge and lifesaving technology that’s making a difference in the lives of many here in Southeast Texas,” explained Paul Trevino, President and CEO of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “We’re giving people a second chance at life, a smoother recovery and ensuring we have the modern technology and resources available for all those we have the privilege to serve.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and disability. Every year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, and CHRISTUS reports treating about 400 stroke patients each year. On average, the health system states, CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital exceeds the national standard regarding the time it takes for a patient to be diagnosed and administered a clot-busting medication, shaving off 10 minutes of the 45-minute standard to 35 minutes – a seemingly short span of time that could make a huge difference in a patient’s outcome.
Symptoms of a stroke could include dizziness, difficulty with balance or coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, weakness or numbness on one side of the body and severe headaches, among others. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you are suffering a stroke.
Visit www.christushealth.org to learn more about the health system and its new, state-of-the-art stroke treatment program.