Pioneering stroke care with first in Europe balloon catheter
The Royal London Hospital has become the first in Europe to use an innovative balloon guide catheter (BGC) called EMBOGUARD in clinical practice.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-saving procedure that removes blood clots from the brain during a stroke, restoring blood flow and preventing significant brain damage. Initial studies suggest the advanced balloon guide catheter tool achieves faster and more effective clot removal compared to standard base catheters usually used.
“Timely and effective treatment of stroke patients is critical to reducing lifelong disability or dependency,” said Dr Levansri Makalanda, Lead Consultant for Interventional Neuroradiology at Barts Health NHS Trust.
“We are big believers in using the most modern and evidence-based technology for patient specific care. For us here at Barts Health, and others within the speciality, the benefits of balloon guide catheters are recognised for their ability to maximise patient outcomes. The EMBOGUARD is a game changer – with its large bore and flexible design allowing better access to intracranial circulation. This significantly improves the chances for patients to live a functional and fulfilling life post-stroke.”
The Royal London Hospital’s Stroke Mechanical Thrombectomy Network is the largest 24/7 service of its kind in the UK, serving more than eight million people across South and East England. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the service expanded without additional infrastructure investment, reducing health inequalities across the region by providing timely access to life-saving stroke care for areas like Kent and Medway.
Since its expansion in 2020, the service has experienced a 300% increase in patient numbers, performing 256 thrombectomy procedures in 2021 alone. Over 22,000 suspected stroke cases have been processed, with a remarkable increase in thrombectomy success across the region.
"We're committed to using the latest technology to maximise outcomes for our patients," added Dr. Makalanda.
"The introduction of EMBOGUARD is a major step forward in stroke care, allowing us to deliver even better results for those we treat."