When Seconds Count: Why Summa Health's Advanced Stroke Care Makes a Difference

This August, Summa Health proudly achieved re-certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Certified Center (CSC) from The Joint Commission for a second time. When the designation was first awarded to Summa Health in 2022, we were the first hospital in Akron to achieve Comprehensive Stroke Center certification. We are extremely proud of this recognition, but what does this certification mean, and why is it so significant for both patients and providers?

Understanding Comprehensive Stroke Centers

Comprehensive Stroke Centers represent the pinnacle of stroke care. The certification indicates that we provide the most advanced treatments available and have neurologists, neurosurgeons, endovascular neurologists, neurocritical care specialists and vascular surgeons working as one cohesive unit. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the fastest and most effective treatment possible, especially for complex strokes.

Summa Health’s CSC designation also signifies our commitment to meeting stringent quality metrics for hemorrhagic stroke care, following best clinical practice guidelines and ensuring timely access to advanced treatments. It places Summa Health in the top-tier of The Joint Commissions stroke center accreditations.

The Scope of Stroke Care in a Comprehensive Stroke Center

As a CSC, Summa Health is fully equipped to handle all types of strokes, including the most complex intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages. This level of care requires advanced neurosurgical expertise which can include the placement of drains and brain aneurysm clipping surgeries. Treating these critical conditions demands not only advanced technology but also highly specialized skills and coordinated teamwork among various medical disciplines.

The Neurosurgeon's Role in a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Neurosurgeons play a pivotal role in the ecosystem of a CSC as they are involved in the care of more than 25 percent of stroke patients. Their expertise is crucial in managing and treating the most severe forms of stroke. Neurosurgeons are responsible for performing lifesaving procedures that can make the difference between life and death, or between a full recovery and long-term disability. From emergency interventions to ongoing management and rehabilitation, neurosurgeons are integral to ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care at every stage of their treatment journey.

Commitment to Innovation

Summa Health is proud to offer the NICO device, a groundbreaking technology for removing deep brain hemorrhages. This minimally invasive system allows surgeons to work faster and with greater precision, minimizing tissue damage. This innovative technology, known as BrainPath, represents a significant advancement in neurosurgical care. Our neurosurgeons can treat hemorrhages sooner, during the critical early stages and studies have shown higher success rates in removing clots using this technology.

The Future of Neurosurgical Care at Summa Health

Achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center certification in 2022 and integrating innovative technologies like the NICO device underscore Summa Health's commitment to providing the highest level of stroke and neurosurgical care. The role of neurosurgeons within this framework is vital, as their expertise and the advanced tools at their disposal can significantly improve patient outcomes.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in stroke care, our focus remains on delivering excellence in every aspect of our services. By staying at the forefront of medical innovation, we ensure that our patients receive the best care available, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and survival rates.

For those interested in learning more about our programs or seeking neurosurgical care, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can navigate the complexities of stroke and brain health with confidence and hope.

To learn more, visit Summa Health's Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Author:

Dane J. Donich, M.D., Neurosurgery?

Certified by The American Board of Neurological Surgery; Fellow, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons; Member Congress of Neurological Surgeons; Faculty Northeastern Ohio Medical College