Stroke Program

Redlands Community Hospital has earned the Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) certification from the Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart/Stroke Association. This designation signifies that the Redlands Stroke Center has met rigorous and exacting standards for mechanical endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This specialized surgical procedure removes blood clots from the brain during an ischemic (restricted blood flow to the brain) stroke. Once the clot is removed, the patient’s blood will flow normally again.

Around-the-clock stroke capabilities

To achieve TSC certification, our neurointerventionist surgeons were required to perform an EVT on a certain number of patients and be able to do so around the clock, seven days a week. The surgeons themselves must already have met the highest standards of subspecialty training.

“This award is a testament to the stroke team’s relentless focus on strengthening our neurointerventional program at the hospital and brings advanced life-saving stroke care to the community,” said Vladimir Cortez, M.D., neurosurgeon at Redlands Community Hospital. “We are pleased to continue providing this excellent standard of care our patients have come to expect.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability nationwide. Most are ischemic. These strokes are highly treatable if a patient gets to the hospital quickly, preferably one like Redlands with the expertise and technology to provide the right care.

The first hybrid operating room in the Inland Empire

The neurointerventional/neurosurgical operating suite at Redlands Community Hospital, coming in at 1100 square feet, sets us apart. Our state-of-the-art hybrid biplane suite and sophisticated imaging system provides the exact precision required of neurological/vascular procedures. Patients can even remain in that room if their minor procedure unexpectedly turns major, saving time and keeping the environment sterile.

The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on recommendations for primary stroke centers, published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program—the nation’s first—in 2003. A list of programs certified by The Joint Commission is available at www.qualitycheck.org.