New Delhi, November 27, 2024: Life of Ms. Madhu Jain, a 61-year-old woman, was as usual till the September 23 this year. On the morning of September 24, 2024, she experienced a sudden fall accompanied by left-sided paralysis and loss of speech. Her family rushed her to Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital where she was found to be drowsy, with significant left upper and lower limb weakness, mouth deviation, and aphasia (a language disorder). A multi-disciplinary team of Aakash Healthcare swung into action to deal with her severe ischemic stroke. Finally, she recovered due to rapid decision-making, collaboration across specialties, and advanced neuro-intervention.

When the patient was admitted, a basic brain scan (NCCT) showed a very early-stage stroke in a critical area on the right side of her brain. Another detailed scan (CT Angiogram)

revealed a major blockage in key blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. These included the main artery in the neck (right internal carotid artery) and two important brain arteries (middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery).

“Stroke cases are a race against time. The sooner we act, the better the outcomes. Dr Minal Chaudhry, Director, radiology and Interventional radiology, Aakash Healthcare emphasized that “Time is Brain”, In such cases we should not be hesitant about disturbing a loved one of sleep or making a few phone calls to rush things up as brain cells are melting every single second.  The patient had a history of rheumatic heart disease with valvular atrial fibrillation which had increased her stroke risk. Given her critical condition and diagnostic findings, we faced the dual challenge of rapid intervention and managing pre-existing comorbidities. Though the patient’s condition was life-threatening, but we had a window of opportunity for intervention," said Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and HOD, Department of Neurology.

The multi-disciplinary team of Aakash Healthcare included Emergency Medicine, Neurology, and Interventional Radiology. Neuro-intervention teams activated the 'Stroke Code' and quickly evaluated treatment options. Thrombolysis (a procedure or medication that breaks up blood clots to improve blood flow and reduce damage to organs and tissues) was considered, but the decision was made to proceed with mechanical thrombectomy due to the extent of vascular occlusion.

“We used a small tube inserted through a blood vessel in the upper leg (right femoral artery) to reach the blocked artery in the brain. Finally, we used a suction technique (aspiration thrombectomy) to remove the clot, restoring blood flow to the brain quickly and without any complications,” explained Dr.Abhishek Bansal, Senior Consultant & Chief Interventional Radiology.

Remarkably, within 48 hours, Ms. Jain regained her strength and speech, showing significant neurological improvement. By September 26, 2024, she was discharged in stable condition.

According to the expert, the collaboration between Neurology and Neuro-intervention was pivotal.  Neuro-intervention is a minimally invasive procedure to treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and blood vessels in the nervous system. Instead of traditional surgery, neuro-intervention involves inserting small instruments, like catheters (thin, flexible tubes), through blood vessels to reach the problem area. Neuro-intervention combines advanced imaging (like X-rays or CT scans) with precise techniques to deliver fast and effective treatments with minimal recovery time, said Dr Savyasachi, Associate Consultant, Department of Interventional Radiology. 

"In stroke cases, every minute counts—time is brain. Patients need access to comprehensive stroke-ready centers equipped with multidisciplinary expertise and rapid response protocols, said Dr Minal Chaudhry."

Ms Madhu Jain and her family expressed gratitude towards Aakash Hospital and its highly experienced multi-disciplinary team for saving her life. “I was in a very traumatic condition and gradually losing hope. But doctors here not only gave us hope but also performed a painless procedure. I am very hopeful that under their observation I would also fully overcome my other health problems too,” said  Ms Madhu. 

Ms Madhu’s case highlights the efficacy of neuro-intervention which has significantly improved stroke treatment in terms of precision and recovery time. Research shows that thrombectomy, a procedure to remove clots, can be highly effective even in severe stroke cases.