One of only 13 Hospitals in United States to Achieve this Level of Designation
BOCA RATON, FL – June 24, 2019 – Boca Raton Regional Hospital
(BRRH) has earned Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) certification
from The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American
Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). This certification signifies its Marcus
Neuroscience Institute (MNI) meets rigorous standards for performing mechanical
endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), a minimally invasive procedure used to
remove a blood clot from the brain during an ischemic stroke.
“Our expertise in treating stroke through this minimally invasive,
catheter-based technique helps improve patient outcomes,” said Brian
Snelling, MD, Director of Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery and Stroke at MNI.
“This capability also significantly adds to the spectrum of advanced
stroke-related services offered at the Institute.”
BRRH was evaluated during an onsite review for compliance with the TSC
requirements that were developed with input from experts on comprehensive
stroke treatment and stroke program management.
The certification has strict guidelines that any physician who performs
EVT for stroke must perform a minimum of 15 annually and the capability
to perform EVT around the clock, seven days a week. BRRH’s medical
staff includes three credentialed neurointerventionalists – physicians
who routinely perform emergency mechanical thrombectomy – which
requires the Hospital to conduct at least 45 procedures each year. These
physicians also must meet the highest standards of sub-specialty training.
“This certification represents another significant milestone in
the Institute’s growth and position as a regional leader in stroke
care,” said Frank D. Vrionis, MD, MPH, PhD, Director of MNI. “We
continue to expand our capabilities to better meet the needs of the patients
we serve.”
“The Joint Commission congratulates Boca Regional on this significant
achievement which makes it a preferred location for transporting patients
with suspected ischemic stroke,” said David Baker, MD, MPH, FACP,
executive vice president, Division of Health Care Quality Evaluation,
The Joint Commission. “Multiple studies have proven EVT treatment
to be effective in saving lives and lowering disability from stroke.”
“With the recent advances in endovascular therapies for acute ischemic
stroke, it’s important to recognize hospitals which can perform
this critical intervention safely and effectively and we commend Boca
Regional on this designation,” said Edward C. Jauch, MD, chair of
the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Hospital
Accreditation Stroke Subcommittee. “The TSC certification helps
prehospital providers better understand hospital stroke capabilities and
assist in regional EMS triage of stroke patients so that the patient gets
to the right hospital for the right treatment.”
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and more
than 87 percent of cases are ischemic strokes caused by a clot that cuts
off blood flow to a part of the brain. These types of strokes are largely
treatable if a patient gets to a hospital that can provide the right treatment in time.
About the Marcus Neuroscience Institute
The Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an
innovative nexus for neurologic and neurosurgical care. The 57,000-square-foot
facility houses a 20-bed Neuro Intensive Care and Step-Down Unit, four
dedicated operating rooms — including one equipped with intraoperative
MRI and two with intraoperative CT capability — and a biplane angiography
suite, a crucial component in the diagnosis and care of neurological conditions.
The Institute has a staff of five neurosurgeons and nine neurologists
who represent some of the most respected clinicians in their fields and
is affiliated with Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt
College of Medicine.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the Boundaries of Medicine.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center (BRRH.com)
with 400 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 800 primary and specialty
physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in Oncology,
Cardiovascular Disease and Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Orthopedics,
Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine and the Neurosciences, all of
which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The
Hospital is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Florida Agency
for Health Care Administration (AHCA). BRRH is recognized in U.S. News
& World Report’s 2018 – 2019 Best Hospitals listing as
a Top Ranked Regional Hospital, for the fourth consecutive year, and the
highest ranked hospital in Palm Beach County.
About The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are
devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two
leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers
to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies,
and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these
diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation’s
oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart
disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the
American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1,
visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health
care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating
health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe
and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission
accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and
programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization,
The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting
and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission
at www.jointcommission.org.
Media Contact: Michael Maucker, 561.955.4706
Marketing Manager
mmaucker@brrh.com