MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center: 15 Years of Innovation in Stroke Care

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence in Interventional Neuroradiology

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is proudly celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Division of Interventional Neuroradiology (DINR). This innovative program, part of the renowned MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, is dedicated to delivering advanced, minimally invasive treatments for critical conditions including strokes, brain aneurysms, and complex vascular disorders affecting both the brain and spine.

As one of the busiest stroke centers in Southern California, the DINR significantly enhances the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Long Beach Medical Center, ensuring the community has timely access to life-saving interventions. The facility has consistently achieved remarkable operational efficiency, boasting some of the best door-to-needle and door-to-device times compared to other centers across Los Angeles County.

Dr. Gary Duckwiler, medical director of DINR, highlights the team's commitment: "Over the past 15 years, our team has transformed the delivery of complex stroke and neurovascular care. We've combined speed, precision, and innovation, ensuring optimal outcomes when every moment counts for our patients in the Long Beach area."

The effectiveness of the program is reflected in its statistics. Long Beach Medical Center routinely achieves door-to-needle times of under 45 minutes and door-to-device times of under 120 minutes. These metrics are critical as they measure the swift administration of clot-busting medications and the placement of specialized catheters that restore blood flow to the brain.

Such rapid response capabilities stem from the interdisciplinary approach of the DINR, enabling physicians to perform complex catheter-based procedures right away. This not only includes mechanical clot removal but also intracranial stenting and treatments for brain aneurysms. These advanced services ensure that patients have access to care typically reserved for large academic medical institutions, further optimizing survival rates and reducing potential long-term disabilities.

Since its inception in 2011, the DINR program has significantly advanced the field of endovascular stroke treatment throughout Southern California. This initiative is bolstered by collaboration with expert physicians from the University of California, Los Angeles, ensuring the latest developments in neurointerventional care are available. The team at Long Beach Medical Center provides round-the-clock consultations and emergency treatments, collaborating effectively with emergency medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, imaging, and critical care teams.

Angie West, the program manager for the Stroke Program, attributes this long-lasting success to a multidisciplinary team's dedication and continuous training. She emphasizes, "These accomplishments showcase our unwavering focus on patient-centered care and the culture of collaboration we have fostered over the years."

The Division of Interventional Neuroradiology specializes in evaluating and treating both adults and children suffering from acute strokes and other intricate cerebrovascular conditions through minimally invasive techniques. By utilizing small incision procedures, physicians can navigate through blood vessels to accurately diagnose and manage clots, aneurysms, and vascular malformations without the need for open surgery.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability among adults in the United States, making immediate access to proficient stroke care vital for enhancing survival and recovery chances. Beyond acute treatment options, Long Beach Medical Center emphasizes community outreach, education, and continuous quality improvement. Patients are encouraged to recognize signs of stroke and react swiftly by calling 911. This ongoing effort is particularly emphasized during Stroke Awareness Month to raise public consciousness about the importance of fast action in stroke scenarios.

About MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
For nearly 120 years, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has been a cornerstone of exceptional healthcare in the area. As part of the not-for-profit integrated healthcare system of MemorialCare, the center remains committed to utilizing the latest treatment protocols and advanced technology. The center is acknowledged for its excellence in cancer, cardiac, orthopedics, neuroscience, trauma, and rehabilitation. Notably, it was the first globally to execute a robotic hip revision surgery using Stryker's Mako Total Hip and was also the first in California to incorporate Stryker's Q Guidance System. The center consistently receives accolades, including recognitions from Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals and has been regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about stroke signs and how to act during emergencies, visit memorialcare.org/LongBeach.