This is the next generation of tools to address the unique challenges these procedures present, Regional spokesman Kurt Conover explained in a press release.

The public was invited to view the diagnostic image system during an open house that started at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018. The imaging center is near entrance D, toward the back side of the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point campus, at 14000 Fivay Road.

The grand-opening ceremony will include a ribbon cutting and tours, along with entertainment, refreshments and door prizes.

For people suffering from an ischemic stroke or brain aneurysm, every second counts as bleeding increases the pressure inside the skull, damaging fragile brain tissue. The faster patients can get access to life-saving interventions, the greater the chances of survival and maximum recovery with minimal brain damage, Conover elaborated.

The Innova IGS 630 3-D imaging system, which GE Healthcare introduced in late 2011, will help physicians at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point treat a variety of medical disorders, including ischemic, or clot-related, stroke, brain aneurysm, or neuro vascular abnormalities. Neuro endovascular procedures involve visualizing very small vessels within the brain while deploying tiny devices or wire coils.

Image quality is critical while the length of these procedures makes dose an important consideration. The new system provides the high image quality necessary for visualizing small vessels and devices within the brain while helping keep dose as low as possible.

“It is critical for us to see the anatomy very clearly while guiding catheters, stents and other medical devices in the brain to areas needing treatment,” said Carol Corder, Bayonet Point’s vice president of neuroscience. “Because the IGS 630 produces high quality images our staff can perform delicate procedures like thrombectomies and aneurysm coiling with accuracy and confidence,” she added.

A thrombectomy is the surgical removal of a clot from inside a vessel. Coiling is a method of preventing hemorrhaging from an aneurysm by filling the ballooning weakened area of blood vessel with wire before it has a chance to rupture.

“With the addition of our Neuroscience Center we will have 24/7 Emergency Advanced Stroke care. Every minute counts and the quicker we can detect and treat someone with a stroke, we can help save the brain” said Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point CEO Sharon Hayes.

For more information or a reservation, call 727-869-5500 or email BPMC.MktRSVPS@HCAHealthcare.com.