Inova Alexandria: One of just four U.S. hospitals with Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification

Certified hospitals must meet identified standards for surgical removal of blood clots in patients suffering a large vessel occlusive ischemic stroke

Large Ischemic Strokes don’t stand a chance at Inova Alexandria Hospital. A newly awarded certification marks Inova Alexandria as a leader in mechanical endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and early detection and treatment of large ischemic strokes.

Inova Alexandria Hospital is only the fourth hospital in the country to earn the “Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center” (TSC) certification from The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA).

In the past year Inova Alexandria has doubled its case volume in preparation for this level of certification. Dr. Venu Vadlamudi, Medical Director, Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Program, along with the other Interventional Radiology physicians, are leading the region in performing thrombectomies for patients presenting with large vessel occlusions.

To be eligible to apply for the certification, a hospital is required to meet strict guidelines that include performing EVT on a minimum of 15 patients in the past year (or 30 patients in the past two years), as well as demonstrating capability to perform EVT around the clock, seven days a week.

This certification signifies that Inova Alexandria meets rigorous standards for performing mechanical endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and recognizes that we are a regional and national leader when it comes to the early detection and treatment of large ischemic strokes.

The hospital was evaluated during an onsite review July 10-11, 2018 for compliance with TSC requirements that were guided by the AHA/ASA and additional scientific advice from experts across the country in endovascular therapy, neurosurgery, neurology, critical care medicine and emergency medicine, emergency medical services and other disciplines responsible for comprehensive stroke treatment and stroke program management.

The TSC program was launched on January 1 and is the fourth level of stroke center certification offered by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. (Additional certifications include Acute Stroke Ready, Primary Stroke and Comprehensive Stroke.)