Robots, remote specialists provide advance stroke care for community

Advanced technology introduced at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and disables more adults than any other condition. It's estimated that 750,000 people will experience a new or repeat stroke this year. An estimated 200,000 people in the state of Michigan alone currently live with the effects of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts and the result can be as serious as brain damage or death. Prompt treatment is essential to protect brain cells.

Patients around Livingston County can now rest assured that advanced stroke care is nearby. Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital is able to provide more advance stroke care to patients in need through its affiliation with the newly founded Michigan Stroke Network.

The Michigan Stroke Network (MSN), founded by Trinity Health, is a collaborative network of hospitals working together to deliver the most comprehensive stroke care in Michigan. By using telemedicine, the latest in communication technology, physicians at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and other participating hospitals will have access to some of the finest stroke specialists in the nation. This way, stroke patients can get quality medical care when they need it.

“Being a part of the stroke network allows us to keep our patients at home without compromising the quality of their care,” explains Mike Markel, director of nursing at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. “With the new technology available, we're able to provide innovative and high quality clinical solutions that formerly was available in very few urban settings.”

A key feature of the Michigan Stroke Network is the use of telemedicine through Remote Presence Robotics. Through the use of telemedicine, physicians in the network can receive consultation over the Internet. Using bedside videoconferencing, telemedicine medical teams in hospital emergency centers can consult with neuro-specialists in distant cities. This consultative approach improves access to specialty care and reduces the need for exhausting travel and unnecessary patient transports. Member hospitals within the Michigan Stroke Network have 24-hour a day access to highly specialized stroke technology that can mean the difference between life and death for many stroke victims.

“The Michigan Stroke Network ensures that hospitals across Michigan, regardless of their size, location or resources, can offer every patient the most advanced stroke care available,” concludes Markel.

For more information about Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital or the Michigan Stroke Network, e-mail markelm@trinity-health.org or visit www.michiganstrokenetwork.com.