New procedure underscores need for stroke awareness

Kurt Hinrichs was treated with mechanical thrombectomy,
this cool little "fishing line" that snagged a clot from his
brain.

All of us with essential thrombocytosis are aware that we are at increased risk for clots and strokes. National Public Radio this morning reported about a cool new stroke treatment that works a little like a teeny fishing net on a flexible line to remove clots from the brain. That report also raises some issues you may want to consider as an ET patient.

First the procedure: Kurt Hinrichs woke up one morning and fell down, paralyzed on one side. His wife immediately called 911, and he was taken to the hospital where doctors realized he was having a stroke. To remove the stroke from his brain, doctors used a procedure called a "mechanical thrombectomy." The procedure involves running a flexible tube via the groin into the aortic artery and up into the brain. At the end of the tube is a tiny little net that "caught" the clot like a fish. Doctors were then able to remove the clot from his body by reeling in the little tube.

Doctors called Hinrichs a "Lazarus patient" because of his remarkable transformation; within minutes after the mechanical thrombectomy, the stroke symptoms subsided.

Some considerations for ET patients: This morning's report raises some lessons that you might want to think about as an ET patient.

Take your meds. Most ET patients take aspirin therapy to reduce clot risks. In addition, chemo such as hydroxyurea (Hydrea) has been proved to reduce clot risks. Taking your meds can help you reduce stroke risks.

Timing: One of the reasons Kurt Hinrichs recovered so dramatically was because his doctors responded to his stroke symptoms within hours. If you live in a rural area like me, you may want to find out what kind of stroke care is available in your area. Talk to your doctor or hematologist about the best facility near you for stroke care.

I have alerted my husband that if I have stroke symptoms to make sure the ambulance takes me to the large regional hospital about half an hour away rather than to the little local hospital that's just 10 minutes away. Valuable time could be lost at the local hospital, which would likely send me on to the larger hospital anyway.

Know the symptoms of stroke. The American Stroke Association uses the acronym FAST to help people remember signs of stroke. As an ET patient, make sure your family knows these symptoms and which hospital you would prefer to go to.

F = Facial drooping on one side. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile, and observe whether the muscles respond properly.

A = Arm weakness. Ask someone to raise both arms and check whether they can raise both arms to the same level.

S = Speech difficulty. Someone who is having a stroke may slur words or be unable to speak.

T = Time to call 911 EVEN IF THE SYMPTOMS GO AWAY. Also note the time that the symptoms occurred, which could help emergency and medical personnel get someone help as quickly as possible.

Make sure doctors know you have ET. If you are taken to the ER for a suspected stroke, you may get a diagnosis quicker if the doctors know you have ET and therefore run higher stroke risk. You may want to wear a medical bracelet, carry a card in your wallet, and make sure that your family knows to tell medical personnel about your ET.

Finally, ask your hematologist if there are things you can do to reduce your overall risk of clots and stroke. Eating properly, watching your blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy body weight (don't let your weight yo-yo), may help keep you health for many years.

Be well!

Related: Thinking about stroke risks

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