Cornwall Hospital Administering New Groundbreaking Stroke Treatment
2023-08-03
Cornwall
Community Hospital (CCH) is now administering a new cutting-edge clot-busting
medication to treat acute ischemic stroke patients called Tenecteplase (TNK),
marking an important leap forward for stroke care in the community.
Stroke is a
critical medical emergency that requires rapid and effective intervention to
mitigate potentially life-altering consequences. Traditionally, the standard
treatment for an acute ischemic stroke has been the use of tPA (Tissue
Plasminogen Activator), a clot-dissolving drug that has been effective in
restoring blood flow to the brain when administered within 4.5 hours of stroke
symptom onset.
TNK is a
genetically engineered variant of tPA, designed to enhance its fibrin
specificity, half-life, and clot-dissolving capabilities. It does a better and
quicker job of targeting clots and opening blocked arteries, reduces the risk
of bleeding complications, and takes only minutes to administer via a single
injection, rather than an hour-long infusion required for tPA.
TNK has long
been a common clot-busting drug used in people suffering from a heart attack.
It recently underwent and passed clinical trials in Canada for use in stroke
patients and is now being recommended as an alternative to tPA according to
Canadian Stroke Best Practices.
“TNK is going
to be a game changing and very important medical therapy for local stroke
patients,” said Dr. Anastasios Boubalos, Chief of Staff at Cornwall Hospital.
“Its superior efficacy and safety profile in comparison to tPA will allow CCH
to provide the safest and highest-quality care possible and improve local
stroke patient outcomes.”
"We are
proud to be introducing TNK as our primary thrombolytic therapy for acute
ischemic stroke patients,” said Jeanette Despatie, President and Chief
Executive Officer. “This advancement in stroke treatment is another example of
how our hospital is leveraging the latest medical advancements and innovations
to provide our community with Exceptional Care. Always.”
Emergency
Department staff have undergone extensive training and education on the proper
utilization of TNK in stroke treatment scenarios.
As a District
Stroke Centre, CCH is accountable for providing leadership, development,
implementation, and integration of stroke care in the East Champlain Region.