New Device Saves Time In Stroke Treatment

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Isabel Vinueza is young, healthy and gets plenty of exercise.That's why she couldn't fathom what was happening to her when she suffered a stroke at 26-years old.

"All of the sudden it hit me. My vision got blurry and couldn't grab the object that I was throwing away, it would fall out of my hand. So that's when I realized my right hand was paralyzed," said Vinueza.

Her boyfriend, Michael Sullivan, knew something was wrong when her face started drooping and she couldn't speak clearly and called 911.

"I was just lucky to kind of be with her, and be able to save her life," said Sullivan.

Vinueza was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital where doctors used what they call a groundbreaking new treatment, running a tiny device inside the blocked brain artery and removing the clot through Vinueza's leg, saving critical time.

"The faster we do this, the faster the brain gets blood back, and the older devices it took multiple attempts, and we often got the clot back in pieces and often times it was not 100 percent removed," said UHealth Interventional Neurologist Dr. Dileep Yavagal.

Dr. Yavagal led the Miami arm of the national trial of the stent, called solitaire, and says without it, combined with medication, Vinueza would likely still be paralyzed today. Now, it has become the standard of care at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

"That really is the power of this new procedure now, where we can reverse paralysis and within a day or so she was back to normal," said Dr. Yavagal.

Vinueza said the experience has given her a new appreciation for the fragility and joys of life.

"It can happen to anyone. It's so shocking," said Vinueza.

Doctors said prevention and awareness are key. That's why they are hoping Vinueza's story helps others stay more alert to the signs of stroke, which include numbness or weakness especially on one side, blurred vision and trouble staying balanced.