Rela Hospital Opens 24/7 Cath Lab for Acute Stroke Interventions

Chennai, October 2024: Rela Hospital has established an advanced 24/7 cath lab for acute stroke interventions to support a range of neurovascular and interventional radiology procedures. Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, inaugurated the facility in the presence of Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman and Managing Director of Rela Hospital.

The lab has the latest technology for diagnosis and treatment, and is supported by neurointerventional neurologists to ensure rapid access to critical treatments. Some of the critical procedures that will be carried out in the new cath lab include: mechanical thrombectomy to remove clots and restore brain blood flow; aneurysm coiling (with flow diverters) for aneurysm management and rupture prevention, and embolisation of arteriovenous malformations to treat abnormal blood vessels. Additionally, the lab will facilitate embolisation of highly vascular tumors, reducing blood supply to specific tumors, and stenting for severe vessel stenosis, addressing narrowed carotid and intracranial vessels to help prevent stroke recurrence.

The inauguration of the lab coincides with World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29, every year. This year’s theme, “Access to Stroke Treatment – Save #PreciousTime,” emphasises the importance of rapid response and access to treatment facilities to minimise stroke damage.

In his address, Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, said, “I am happy that Rela Hospital is introducing cutting-edge technology for stroke interventions that can enable doctors to provide advanced treatments for acute stroke and stroke-related vascular conditions, giving patients the best chance at recovery. However, prevention is better than cure. Statistics reveal that 80% of strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and managing risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity. People should engage in physical activities — whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or participating in a sports event. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is important. Physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke, improve physical fitness and enhance mental health.”

In his address, Prof. Mohamed Rela, said, “In India, one in four individuals over the age of 60 is at risk of experiencing a stroke. While the elderly are most at risk due to conditions like atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls), younger individuals are also vulnerable, often due to conditions that increase blood clotting. We are committed to bringing advanced technologies to acute stroke interventions. Globally, over 15 million people suffer from stroke every year – out of which 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. As far as interventions are concerned, the focus is on reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment, which can save lives and prevent long-term damage.”

He added that the new cath lab is a well-equipped and integrated facility that can ensure quick, effective, and safe care treatment. It has the latest imaging technology for high-clarity images, allowing for precise, effective interventions. The lab also ensures a safer treatment environment by significantly bringing down the radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare providers. We have integrated a parallel working station to enable simultaneous diagnostics and treatment planning.”

In his comments, Dr. Shankar Balakrishnan, Clinical Lead, Department of Neurology, Neuro Sciences, Rela Centre For Mobility & Movement, said that medical advances have dramatically improved stroke outcomes, especially when treatment is initiated within the 4.5 to 6-hour window after symptom onset, although certain cases may benefit up to 24 hours post-onset. “With multimodal imaging, we can quickly identify salvageable brain tissue, allowing for precise intervention. Cutting-edge catheters and aspiration devices allow for effective clot removal with minimal side effects, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as permanent paralysis or decreased cognitive function. Early treatment not only improves recovery but can also prevent the devastating outcomes of untreated stroke, such as paralysis and long-term disability.”

Marking World Stroke Day, Rela Hospital is conducting various programmes to raise awareness about stroke prevention, risk factors, and early treatment. It has recently organised a cricket match in the city, played by its former stroke patients. Its outreach targets educating individuals about recognising stroke symptoms early and the importance of timely intervention to improve outcomes. The hospital encourages the public to pledge to adopt heart-healthy habits, participate in regular health screenings, spread awareness of the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym (Balance loss, Eye changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act fast by seeking immediate medical care.) and swiftly react when they identify someone with stroke symptoms.