Florida Hospital Tampa First to Adopt New Stroke Retrieval Device

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Florida Hospital Tampa and Dr. James E. Lefler are the first in the Tampa Bay area to adopt the new FDA approved device called the Trevo Pro Clot Retriever manufactured by Stryker. The Trevo Pro is the next generation in clot removal technology. This powerful new tool literally “retrieves” blood clots from within the brain’s vasculature restoring blood flow to the brain faster for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke, where blood flow is blocked. This new device has the ability to significantly improve patient outcomes.

“Trevo Pro is used to perform what is called a mechanical thrombectomy, also known as clot removal”

“Trevo Pro is used to perform what is called a mechanical thrombectomy, also known as clot removal,” said James E. Lefler, MD, co-director of the stroke program and neurointerventional radiologist at Florida Hospital Tampa. “The Trevo Pro entraps the clot in a way that can immediately allow blood to start flowing back to the brain. This new device is 92% effective, advancing our ability and leading patients to better outcomes. We now have four different devices to treat stroke patients, depending on the type and location of stroke. The Trevo Pro becomes a fourth option; our other devices include the Concentric Merci Retrieval System, The Penumbra System and Solitaire Stroke Device. “

The FDA approval is based on the TREVO 2 clinical trial, designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Trevo Pro Retrieval system for removing clots from ischemic stroke patients. The results also showed improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and shorter hospital stays.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States according to the American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every four minutes. In the United States, 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year; 77% are new and 23% are recurrent. Stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer every year, and it affects more women than men with 425,000 women suffering from strokes annually.

Florida Hospital Tampa is committed to offering patients first-in-the-region technologies that allow for greater accuracy and faster results. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has designated Florida Hospital Tampa as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Florida Hospital Tampa is one of only 18 AHCA-designated comprehensive stroke centers in the state of Florida and one of only three in Hillsborough County to earn this distinction. In May 2012, Florida Hospital Tampa was recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association evidenced-based “Get With The Guidelines®—Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award” for its commitment and success in implementing excellent and quality care for stroke patients.

About Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute

The Neuroscience Institute at Florida Hospital Tampa treats patients with neurovascular disease of the head, brain, neck, and spine using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Our comprehensive stroke center includes a neurointerventional radiologist and a team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, emergency physicians, and certified registered nurses who coordinate care from triage to diagnosis, treatment and recovery. In addition, the Neuroscience Institute complements the cardiovascular program at Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute by enabling delivery of more comprehensive care.

About Florida Hospital Tampa

Florida Hospital Tampa is a not-for-profit 475-bed tertiary hospital specializing in cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, orthopaedics, women’s services, pediatrics, oncology, endocrinology, bariatrics, wound healing, sleep medicine and general surgery including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. Also located at Florida Hospital Tampa is the renowned Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute, a recognized leader in cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and leading-edge research. Part of the Adventist Health System, Florida Hospital is a leading health network comprised of 22 hospitals throughout the state. For more information, visit www.FHTampa.org.