New technology enhances stroke care at Bridgeport Hospital

BRIDGEPORT, CT (Nov. 15, 2023) – With the help of a generous philanthropic gift from the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, Bridgeport Hospital has unveiled new imaging technology to treat stroke patients. The Siemens Healthineers ARTIS Icono is the most advanced biplane neuro-angiography imaging system. Its “biplane” imaging provides intraoperative views from multiple angles to help surgeons remove blood clots up to 24 hours after the onset of a stroke. 

 

In addition to clearer visualization, the system also requires lower radiation exposure. It supports endovascular neurosurgery treatment for all stroke types, brain aneurysms, brain tumors and carotid artery disease. The system can also be used for interventional treatment of complex spine conditions and spine cancer, as well as interventional radiology treatment of pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thromboses and many types of cancer.

Stroke patients can be treated 24/7 within minutes through emergent thrombectomy – removal of blood clots to re-establish blood flow to the brain with no need for transfer to other hospitals. Emergent thrombectomy can benefit patients up to 24 hours after stroke onset.

Part of the Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center, the new biplane lab is one phase of a larger four-year, $30 million project to enhance neuro- and interventional cardiac services at Bridgeport Hospital, which is certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. 

The Stroke Center team includes neurologists, endo- and neurovascular neurosurgeons, emergency medicine and intensive care physicians, radiologists and nurses, including stroke-certified registered nurses. “The Bridgeport Hospital Foundation is proud to support this exciting project with proceeds from its $5 million capital fundraising campaign,” said Steve Jakab, president of the Foundation. “Philanthropic contributions from our community, led by the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, will help significantly expand access to these critical services and improve clinical outcomes, especially for our highest-risk patients.”

Elizabeth “Betty” Pfriem, who died in 2017, was one of the greater Bridgeport region’s most generous philanthropists. She cared deeply about improving access to high-quality healthcare for local residents. The gift from her Foundation will name the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Neurovascular and Interventional Radiology Center, which features the biplane lab. 

The second phase of the four-year plan will completely modernize the hospital’s cardiac procedural labs on its 10th floor. A brand-new catheterization lab will be constructed, followed by two electrophysiology labs and a second cath lab. The additional space will significantly expand patient access, enabling the hospital to treat nearly double the number of electrophysiology patients annually. 

Bridgeport Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center with over 500 beds across two campuses and is one of Connecticut’s largest hospitals, supported by 5,000 employees. As a member of Yale New Haven Health, the hospital shares the same network of highly trained physicians and staff with Yale New Haven Hospital. “Joining forces with world-class specialists allows us to bring the most advanced care and technology to Fairfield County patients,” said Bridgeport Hospital President Anne Diamond. 

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org