New technique has stroke patients on the mend

[WCCO-TV, February 09, 2015] Cutting edge technology being used at Abbott Northwestern Hospital could change the treatment for stroke patients.

Doctors use a machine with a catheter and suction to remove the stroke-causing blood clot, essentially like a miniature vacuum.. The recovery time can be much quicker than the traditional procedure of using medication to dissolve a clot.

Few understand the impact of a fast recovery better than Kyle Smith. Two months ago, Smith was being rushed into Abbott Northwestern. A blood clot in his carotid artery caused a massive stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body and his ability to speak.

“I’ll tell you, it’s a life changing experience, for sure,” Smith said. Dr. Yasha Kadkhodayan performed the mechanical thrombectomy.