Certified Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center

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Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center

When every second counts, you can be assured that at Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center, our experts focus on the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. As a certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, our team is committed to improving stroke outcomes through a multifaceted approach of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. Our team works together to deliver exceptional care with a warm, personalized approach.

What is Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or when a blood vessel breaks and stops blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die, causing damage to the brain. Every stroke is different and the severity is largely dependent upon the area of the brain affected and the length of time that area was without oxygen.

Types of Stroke

There are three types of stroke:

  • Ischemic strokes are the most common type. They are caused when blood vessels leading to the brain become blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain.
  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are indicators of a high risk for stroke. In a TIA, the blood clot occurs for a short time and resolves itself. Although TIAs are temporary, they are strong indicators of a possible major stroke.
  • Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels in or around the brain break.

Signs of Stroke: B-E F-A-S-T

Learn the signs of stroke so you are ready if you or a loved one ever suffers a stroke and always call 9-1-1 immediately. The difference between a recovery from stroke and a lasting disability depends a lot on response time.

  • Balance: Does the person have a loss of balance or dizziness? Watch for sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
  • Eyes: Has the person lost vision on one or both sides? Check for vision loss.
  • Face: Does one side of the face droop? Ask them to smile. 
  • Arms: Does one arm drift downward? Ask them to raise both arms. 
  • Speech: Are words slurred? Ask them to repeat a phrase. 
  • Time: If they show any of these symptoms, time is important. 

Our Services

  • Immediate access to neurologists specializing in stroke care within minutes of arrival in our ER
  • Neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, neurocritical care specialists, neuroradiologists, and anesthesiologists
  • Dedicated stroke nurse practitioners
  • An acute stroke team
  • Faster turnaround times for CT scans and lab results to improve timeliness of treatment
  • Advanced imaging capabilities including 3-Tesla MRI, CT perfusion, and RAPID software
  • Staff receive special training to care for stroke patients
  • Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Program

Certified Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center

The Joint Commission has awarded an advanced stroke certification for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) to St. John’s Regional Medical Center. This means that our Stroke Center has met the rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and post-procedure care.
 

Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of EVT procedures and the ability to perform EVT allows patients to get to the right location as soon as possible. Considered the Gold Seal of Approval™, this certification demonstrates our commitment to excellence in stroke care. Our community can be assured that the quality care we provide is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

Top Rated Stroke Care

The Stroke Center is nationally recognized for excellence:

  • Get With the Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2017-2021
  • Recognized on the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2017-2021
  • Recognized on the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2020-2021
  • Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll from American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 2016
  • Stroke Care Excellence Award, 2014–2017
  • Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll from American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 2016

Additionally, St. John’s Regional Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center. As a stroke center, St. John’s reports outcomes related to interventional procedures (click here).
 

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Rehabilitation

St. John’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is the beginning of the recovery phase for adults who have experienced a stroke. In this recovery phase, patients are assisted with restoring their maximum levels of strength, movement, and independent functioning. Patients and their families actively participate in planning and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan in which specific goals are established.  To learn more about St. John’s comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services, please call (805) 988-2667.

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Learn more about our Stroke Program

To request additional information about St. John's Regional Medical Center's Stroke Program, please call our dedicated stroke nurse at (805) 988-7144 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).