Advancing Stroke Care and Saving More Lives at Aspirus St. Luke’s

Stroke Program Coordinator Diane Roach reveals exciting results after months of hard work

When it comes to medical emergencies, a stroke is one of the most time-sensitive and potentially devastating. Caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, a stroke often happens without warning. Every second the brain is deprived of this vital blood, more damage is done. This is why rapid treatment is so important.

Recognizing the critical need for advanced stroke care when seconds count, Aspirus St. Luke's has made significant investments to its DNV-Certified Stroke Center. One of the leading forces behind this initiative is Diane Roach, APRN, CNS, Aspirus St. Luke’s Stroke Program Coordinator.

With over 30 years of experience caring for stroke patients as both a bedside nurse and advanced practice nurse, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. “I’ve seen firsthand how timely, expert care can make a big difference,” she said. “I know how important the advancements in our program are for our community, and I’m really excited about all we’ve accomplished so far.”
 

Delivering cutting-edge stroke treatment 24/7

For patients experiencing a stroke, a computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) is done to assess the brain and to identify the location and size of the clot blocking blood flow. If deemed appropriate, patients can be treated with a clot-busting medication through an IV and/or have the clot removed with a thrombectomy procedure to restore blood flow to the brain. These treatments can be lifesaving for patients if done timely.

The best candidate to perform this procedure is an experienced stroke and interventional neurologist – and Aspirus St. Luke’s recently added seven of them to its team. “Each one of these expert neurologists brings years of experience and extensive specialized training with them,” said Diane. “They will be available around the clock, providing all thrombectomies at Aspirus St. Luke’s.”

This team will also be providing a comprehensive spectrum of care, as they will be following up with patients throughout their inpatient stay and into recovery.

"Our team is thrilled to partner with Aspirus St. Luke’s and provide care for this community,” said Dr. Muhammad Suri, Medical Director of the program. “You can rest easy, knowing an experienced stroke and interventional neurologist is always available, ready to care for you if you need it.”

Offering expanded services

With this new team of experts, Aspirus St. Luke’s will also be able to provide immediate access to several additional specialized procedures. This includes emergent clot retrieval from blood vessels in the brain, carotid stenting, brain aneurysm treatment and many other procedures related to blood vessels in the brain. This ensures that patients experiencing stroke symptoms can receive timely and comprehensive care, leading to improved outcomes and reduced long-term complications.

In addition, cutting-edge biplane technology has been installed in a brand-new operating room. “We are really excited about this,” said Diane. “This is the gold standard in interventional medical imaging technology.”

Using dual rotating cameras to capture front and side views of a patient's anatomy simultaneously, biplane technology offers high-definition, real-time 3D images of blood vessels and soft tissue. It also reduces the need for multiple contrast dye injections during procedures, enhancing patient comfort and safety. Once this technology is installed and training is completed, additional complex procedures will be available at Aspirus St. Luke’s, including aneurysm and fistula embolism.

“For patients, this means increased access to advanced treatments that can help mitigate risks and complications,” said Diane. “This fosters better recovery and enhances the overall quality of care we’re able to offer our community.”
 

Remember to BE FAST

As Aspirus St. Luke's Stroke Program Coordinator, Diane is proud to play a role in the hospital's mission of providing exceptional stroke care. She develops protocols, conducts training for staff and oversees quality improvement efforts. Additionally, she provides support to stroke patients and their families, guiding them and ensuring they have the support they need.

Diane is also involved in community outreach efforts, actively raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognition and treatment. “It is so important to be able to spot the signs of a stroke so you can get medical attention as soon as possible,” she said.

An easy way to do this is to remember the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Watch for a loss of balance.
• Eyes: Ask about vision loss.
• Face: Look for an uneven smile.
• Arms: Check if one arm is weaker.
• Speech: Listen for slurred speech.
• Time: Call 911 right away.

The faster a stroke victim can get to Aspirus St. Luke’s, the better off they’ll be.

“I am so proud to work with such a great team of professionals,” said Diane. “Plus, now that we've joined forces with Aspirus Health, we have access to more resources, more expertise and more opportunities to provide the best care possible to our patients and communities. I’m really excited for everything the future holds.”

Learn more at slhduluth.com/stroke.