KUTRRH has introduced thrombectomy to treat stroke cases. This is a modern medical procedure used
to treat patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. It involves the insertion of a special device to
remove blood clots blocking major blood vessels in the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot
blocks a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

This can lead to severe brain damage and even death if not treated promptly.In the past, the most common treatment for ischemic stroke involved using clot busting drugs called intravenous thrombolysis. However, this method has limited success and could only be administered within a specific time frame after the onset of a stroke. thrombectomy, on the other hand, offers new hope to stroke patients by directly addressing the root cause of the condition – the blood clot.

The procedure involves the use of a thin tube called a catheter which is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the appropriate limb. Dr. Kuria Waweru, aNeurosurgeon at KUTRRH states that in stroke treatment “time is brain,” that means, the longer one stays with the clot the more difficult it becomes to be removed. The procedure is performed in the Cathlab where a catheter is then navigated through the blood vessels to reach the site of the clot in the brain.

Once the clot is reached, a device is employed to physically break up or remove the clot “.Research shows that patients who have undergone thrombectomy within 24 hours of stroke onset have significantly better outcomes compared to those receiving standard oral medicine treatment alone. One of the key benefits of thrombectomy is its extended treatment window.

Unlike thrombolytic drugs, which need to be given within a few hours of stroke onset, thrombectomy can be performed within 24 hours, depending on individual patient factors. thrombectomy has revolutionized stroke treatment by offering an effective and minimally invasive way to remove blood clots causing acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, this results in better functional outcomes and reduced disability in stroke survivors. With further advancements in technology and increased awareness, thrombectomy has the potential to become the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke in the future. KUTRRH is working with NHIF towards an MOU that will see NHIF meet a sizeable part of the cost.

Read The Checkup Newsletter Dec 2024

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