Patients now have access to a new stroke treatment designed to remove blood clots from the brain more quickly and efficiently.
Delray Medical Center is the only hospital south of Orlando offering THUNDERBOLT, a computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy technology designed to treat acute ischemic stroke, according to a recent announcement.
The technology, developed by Penumbra Inc., is the first of its kind and was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, and more than 795,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke each year, according to the announcement. About 87% of these are ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot.
How THUNDERBOLT works
THUNDERBOLT uses a technique
called modulated aspiration to detect, fatigue and ingest blood clot from the brain, restoring critical blood flow.
The technology is combined with Penumbra’s RED Reperfusion Catheters, which are designed to navigate the brain’s complex anatomy and quickly remove the clot causing the stroke.
Delray Medical Center focuses on stroke care
“We are a new era when it comes to treating blood clots in the brain. This computer assisted vacuum technology helps give our patients the best chance at a good outcome,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, interventional neurologist on staff at Delray Medical Center.
“I am proud to be a part of the team here at Delray Medical Center, where we are investing in some of the latest technologies because we are patient first and we want our patients getting back to doing the things that they love.”
Delray Medical Center offers specialized care
Delray Medical Center is a 536-bed acute care hospital that has served southern Palm Beach County for more than 40 years. The hospital is part of the Palm Beach Health Network and employs more than 1,700 staff members and 700 physicians.
The hospital offers a range of specialized services, including cardiac and vascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care and weight-loss surgery. It is also a state-designated Level I Trauma Center.
The Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county by the State of Florida. The hospital also has a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit called Fair Oaks Pavilion.
For more information about Delray Medical Center’s services, visit www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.
This story was created by web producer Michele Kelley (mkelley@pbpost.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New stroke treatment now available at Delray Medical Center
