Overlake Awarded Advanced Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Bellevue, Wash. – Overlake Medical Center & Clinics today announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification. 

“This certification means that Eastside residents can feel confident they have the highest level of stroke care nearby, which is critical during a stroke,” said Abhineet Chowdhary, MD, medical director, Overlake Neuroscience Institute. “Overlake is proud to have built a stroke program that saves lives and preserves quality of life for patients who suffer strokes because they have received this transformative intervention close to home.”

During a stroke, a patient loses 1.9 million brain cells per minute, meaning that timely treatment results in more successful patient outcomes. In a mechanical thrombectomy, an endovascular surgeon physically removes a clot using a stent retriever, thus restoring blood flow to the brain. The advanced technique allows a significantly higher rate of recovery than intravenous blood thinning medications, such as tPA. Because surgeons performing thrombectomies are removing damaging clots faster, there is less damage to brain tissue.

To obtain the advanced-level certification, Overlake underwent a rigorous, two-day onsite review by The Joint Commission in August 2019. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards. More than 300 Overlake nurses received specific stroke care training and education.

“With stroke being the leading cause of adult disability, Overlake is committed to offering leading-edge stroke treatment that significantly improves patient outcomes,” said David Likosky, MD, medical director, Stroke and Neurohospitalist Programs. “Overlake’s highly skilled stroke care team, which includes medical providers, community educators and follow-up care managers, is improving the health of the Eastside community by improving patients’ health and restoring function.”

To learn more about Overlake’s stroke care services, please contact the Overlake Neuroscience Institute.