Special to the Star
HARLINGEN – Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute continues to lead the way in the advancement of neurological treatments and research in the Rio Grande Valley. The first hospital south of San Antonio to achieve Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification, Valley Baptist is receiving national recognition for their commitment to lead the way in treating patients with neurological conditions.
“The research we do right here at Valley Baptist is advancing treatment for patients not just here locally, but nationwide,” said Dr. Ameer E.Hassan, DO, FAHA, FSVIN, Head of the Neuroscience Department, Director of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology and Director of Clinical Neuroscience Research at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “We were the #7 enrolling site worldwide in the DAWN trial, a trial which expanded the indication for stroke treatment to 24 hours. This was groundbreaking because we as physicians never had anything for patients outside of the six-hour window.” The DAWN publication ended up changing the American Heart/American Stroke Association guidelines and becoming one of the most influential stroke studies in the last 20 years.
Most recently, Valley Baptist was one of the first in Texas to treat a patient for a cerebral aneurysm, using the Surpass Streamline Flow Diverter device. The Surpass Streamline Flow Diverter was FDA approved in 2018 and is the second flow diverting stent to gain FDA approval in the United States. The device is advancing the way patients with large and unruptured aneurysms are treated by using the latest stent to reliably keep the artery open and close the blood flow to the aneurysm.
“We are committed to finding new ways to treat our patients suffering from neurological conditions,” said Hassan. “Every day we are making new advancements and changing the outcomes for our patients in a positive way.”
Valley Baptist Health System recently invested in Viz Artificial Intelligence (Viz.ai) imaging to synchronize stroke care and reduce systemic delays that stand between patients and life-saving treatments.
“When you’re having a stroke, where you go and how fast you get there is critical,” said Hassan. “With Viz.ai, we are able to detect a suspected large vessel occlusion stroke within minutes to begin life-saving treatment.”
Dr. Hassan recently chaired the 11th Annual Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Program in San Diego, California, focused on advancing the care and treatment for stroke, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
The three-day conference gathered neuro specialists from around the world to share best practices and breakthroughs in treatment and research.
“Every day, we are making advancements and finding new ways to treat patients with neurological conditions,” said Hassan. “We will continue to lead the way and be pioneers to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.” Currently the Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute has over a 15 stroke studies active or in the pipeline.
Valley Baptist continues to make advances in stroke research and education through The Stroke Research and Education Foundation. The Stroke Research and Education Foundation provides stroke education and programs to Cameron County stroke survivors, caregivers and the healthcare community. The Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute continues to expand treatment services for neurological conditions.
Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute was certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2016 by DNV Healthcare. This was the first hospital in the Rio Grande Valley and south of San Antonio to achieve this designation. The hospital was recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with the “Gold Plus” award for its fast response time in treating stroke patients.
For more information on Valley Baptist Health System visit:
ABOUT VALLEY BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM
Valley Baptist Health System is an 866-bed faith-based regional health system located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is focused on helping people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith. Valley Baptist extends many of its services beyond its facilities and into local communities, offering free screenings for the community, support groups and numerous educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.
