More than 40 people across the west of Scotland are leading independent lives after suffering a stroke, thanks to the new thrombectomy suite in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The suite, which celebrated its first anniversary last month, has treated more than 100 patients since it opened – and of those 41% have gone on to live normal, independent lives.
That’s more than double the proportion of patients who would achieve this level of recovery with more traditional stroke care.
The Interventional Neuroradiology Thrombectomy Suite provides care for people throughout the west of Scotland, reducing the chances of long-term brain injury and other life-limiting conditions, and reducing the need for lengthy hospital stays and long periods of rehabilitation.
The new service is based within a purpose-built facility in the Institute for Neurological Sciences (INS), at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – and over the past year its staff have treated a total of 102 patients. The thrombectomy team is made up of a range of disciplines, including the hyperacute stroke team, interventional neuroradiologists, nursing staff, radiographers, anaesthetists and clinical nurse specialists.
Thrombectomy is a procedure to remove a blood clot from a vessel in the brain which has caused a stroke.
The procedure takes place under a general anaesthetic or sedation and involves passing a catheter through a vessel in the wrist or groin and up into the affected part of the brain, with expert neuroradiologists using live X-ray images to guide their actions.
A stent then captures the clot and pulls it out, clearing the way for blood to flow normally again.
Dr Peter Keston, Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and clinical lead for the unit, said: “While thrombectomy was performed before the new suite opened, being able to offer this procedure in a purpose-built environment has been a huge positive, for patients and staff.
“Thrombectomy isn’t appropriate for every patient who suffers a stroke, with around 10% of patients being suitable for the procedure. However, when we can use it, the results can be transformational.
“The high proportion of our patients who go on to enjoy independent lives is testament to the efficacy of the procedure, the value of having this new suite and the work of our staff.
“Thrombectomy is very much a team effort, so I’d like to pay tribute to every one of my colleagues for their commitment and professionalism this past year.”
After such a positive first year, the thrombectomy team have no intention of resting on their laurels.
“There’s always more we can do. We want to see even more of our patients get home and back to their old lives,” said Dr Keston.
“Our motto here is ‘Time is Brain’ – meaning the faster we can help patients the better their potential long-term outcomes – and this entire facility is set up in such a way that we can work quickly.
“While this purpose-built suite has allowed us to manage a significant increase in the number of patients we can see every year, we don’t want to stop here.
“Where there is additional capacity we will exploit that, and the plan this year is to expand our service to operate seven days a week.
“Ultimately, we hope to be able to provide a 24-7 service, maximising the number of patients we can help and fully honouring our Time is Brain ethos.”
Thrombectomy is one of a range of services across NHSGGC which are available to treat and support patients who have suffered a stroke.
As well as having specialised stroke teams for people presenting at A&E, thrombolysis – a medication that can limit the damage from strokes if it is administered within four and a half hours – is offered at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
In addition, NHSGGC provides a range of treatment and rehabilitation to support people after a stroke.
Susan Groom, Director of Regional Services at NHSGGC, said: “The word life-changing is used all too often in healthcare, but it’s entirely appropriate when describing the work being done here.
“I would like to echo Dr Keston’s thanks to everyone who has done so much to care for our thrombectomy patients – and indeed for all those people who have suffered a stroke.
“However, the aim of all stroke care is to reduce any life-limiting effects and give people as far as possible their old life back.
“I would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the signs of stroke, and to call 999 or to get to A&E as quickly as possible is they think they or someone else is having a stroke.”
For advice on spotting the signs of stroke go to NHS Inform.
For more on Interventional Neuroradiology and thrombectomy, go to: Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) – NHSGGC.
