Stroke

A stroke is serious but, in many cases, it can be prevented. We want you to have all the available tools and information you need to effectively recover from and reduce your risk for all types of strokes. We are able to use a VAN (vision, aphasia, neglect) assessment to check your ability to speak and understand language, neglect, eye deviation and alertness, or less than full alertness.

As a leader in surgical technology adoptions, we'll work to prevent strokes in all instances, including during select surgeries where the risks are higher.

As Eastern Ventura County's first and only certified comprehensive stroke center, we are the only hospital certified by both Ventura and the Greater Los Angeles Counties as a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-designated heart attack center for rapid heart attack response as well as a certified comprehensive stroke center.

Our paramedics can automatically take you to our facility if you or a loved one are experiencing a stroke. This saves valuable time and could be the difference that helps avoid serious complications. Once you are here, we will work to provide potentially lifesaving treatment through a variety of services at our disposal.

Embolization assist treatments

We were one of the first to perform minimally invasive embolization assist treatments, which can control and block bleeding, treat tumors and manage fibroids. The devices used by our surgeons were also the first and only devices cleared by the FDA in a new category of temporary coil embolization assist devices for the treatment of brain aneurysms.

Intelligent control device

We are able to surgically treat inaccessible, blocked blood vessels, also known as distal occlusions. These blockages can be incredibly disabling, and our device allows our surgeons to reach and retrieve clots in a more efficient way. As an adjustable, fully visible stent retriever, this device is uniquely able to safely restore blood flow to the brain during an ischemic stroke.

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)

An LAAC closure procedure is typically recommended if you're experiencing atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat condition that increases risks for stroke and heart failure. When left untreated for more than three days without a blood thinner, blood pooling and clots can occur, which can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

We were among the first in the nation to perform minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery with a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device. With a pre-tied suture loop at the base of the appendage, the LAAO can immediately and permanently close it to prevent blood clots from entering the bloodstream. This device has also proven to be a viable alternative if you have intolerances to long-term medication.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)

TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure that is done via a small incision just above the clavicle on your neckline. At the incision, the surgeon places a tube directly into the carotid artery and connects it to a system that temporarily reverses blood flow. This ensures that any plaque or debris that may break off are diverted away from the brain and captured in an outside filter. A stent is then inserted, keeping plaque away from the brain and helping blood resume flowing the right direction. We are the first hospital in Ventura County to perform TCAR as a way to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

A TAVR is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a malfunctioning, narrowed aortic valve. This is an optimal choice if you are experiencing complications from open-heart surgery. TAVR procedures run the risk of dislodging embolic debris, including pieces of the arterial wall, valve tissue, calcium, or other foreign material, which can lead to stroke.

The device we use during this procedure can help prevent strokes by capturing and removing this dislodged embolic debris before it can reach the brain. We have seen greater success performing TAVR procedures with these devices in place, as opposed to without.

If you are recovering from a stroke, you may be admitted to our rehabilitation hospital, Los Robles Health System Rehabilitation Hospital, which provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, outpatient services are provided in the hospital's gym.

For more information about the stroke rehabilitation services available at our hospital, call (805) 497-2727.