New Device for Stroke Victims May Save Your Life
Posted on 12/30/2008
Merci Retriever removing clot from blood vessel. |
|
When Thomas Kloster, 48, Bismarck, stepped outside on a warm August evening, he had no idea what was in store for him. While in his backyard, Thomas’ right side suddenly went completely numb and he fell. His neighbor thankfully saw him lying on the ground and called an ambulance. Thomas was brought to St. Alexius Medical Center and his worst fear was confirmed. He had suffered a stroke, in his case an ischemic stroke, and couldn’t talk or move.
An ischemic stroke is caused when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot, which can impair brain function and cause severe disability or death. Restoring blood flow to the brain is critical, and fortunately for Tom, St. Alexius had a new device that can help do that.
The Merci Retriever is a new option for patients that suffer an ischemic stroke. This new device allows doctors to remove clots and restore blood flow to the brain. Brent Herbel, MD, Interventional Radiologist at St. Alexius Medical Center performed this procedure on Thomas, for the first time at St. Alexius, and remains the only physician in the state to use this device.
“The Merci Retriever is a revolutionary tool for patients coming to St. Alexius Medical Center who have suffered an ischemic stroke,” says Dr. Herbel. “By capturing and removing the blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain, patients will hopefully make a full recovery, when they would have otherwise been severely disabled for the rest of their life.”
If you or someone you know might benefit from this new technology make an appointment with Dr. Herbel at 701.530.3595.