BACKGROUND: A stroke is like a brain attack; it occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 140,000 people in the US die each year from stroke. It is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. (Source: National Stroke Association, the Stroke Center.org)
TYPES:
TREATMENT: Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), or alteplase, is a clot-buster drug that dissolves the blood clot causing the stroke. There is a narrow window of opportunity to use this drug, so the earlier that it is given, the better the result and the less potential for bleeding into the brain. Aspirin or anticoagulants like heparin are also used. Rehabilitation is also used to restore strength to the patient and get them used to their post-stroke lifestyle. (Source: MedicineNet.com)
NEW TECHNOLOGY: Solitaire FR Revascularization Device is a mechanical thrombectomy device combining the ability to restore blood flow, administer medical therapy, and retrieve clot in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke. It mechanically breaks up and removes the blood clot. It has optimal radial force for flowing through all clot types, stable recanalization for the adjunctive use of medical therapy, and optimal metal to tissue ratio for reliable clot retrieval. It has demonstrated effective clot removal in vessels sized 2 to 5.5 mm. (Source: Covidien)
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Reversing Paralysis: Jorge’s "Stroke" Of Luck