Fraser Health, which treats over 4,000 stroke patients annually—a figure projected to increase to 5,700 within the next decade—has implemented a groundbreaking treatment for ischemic stroke. The introduction of Tenecteplase as a frontline medication is set to transform stroke care and optimize stroke unit operations.
Ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, requires swift medical intervention to minimize brain damage. Tenecteplase, administered intravenously in a quick five-second dose, significantly improves the speed and efficiency of stroke treatment. This is a stark contrast to the previously used medication, which necessitated a one-hour intravenous infusion and continuous monitoring, particularly if the patient needed to be transferred to another hospital.
“Tenecteplase is a game-changer for ischemic stroke care and stroke unit optimization,” stated Trudy Robertson, clinical nurse specialist, neurosciences and stroke lead at Fraser Health. “With Tenecteplase, the medication is delivered faster because the setup by the care team is simpler,” Robertson explained. “Time is critical in stroke treatment; every minute of oxygen deprivation in the brain kills two million brain cells.”
The first patient to receive Tenecteplase within Fraser Health was treated at Royal Columbian Hospital on April 19, 2024. The medication was administered within 22 minutes of the patient’s arrival, significantly below the national standard of 30 minutes.
Dr. Jaskiran Brar, stroke neurologist at Fraser Health, expressed pride in the team’s efforts: “It’s the efforts of a great team which lead to improving patient care. I am very proud of them.”
This advancement underscores Fraser Health’s commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative treatments and streamlined processes, ensuring quicker and more effective stroke care.
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