A comprehensive stroke center is typically the largest and best-equipped hospital in a given geographical area that can treat patients with any kind of stroke or stroke complication. Upstate University Hospital was the first hospital in the Central New York region to be certified as a DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center, encompassing the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education. (DNV stands for Det Norske Veritas, the name of a certification company that originated in 1864 in Norway.)

“Accreditation and certification in healthcare provide much more than recognition,” says Yehuda Dror, president of DNV Healthcare. “These programs help establish standards of excellence and best practices that directly impact patients‘ lives.”

Here‘s a look at the difference between primary and comprehensive stroke centers:

PRIMARY STROKE CENTER

Patient care

Takes care of most ischemic strokes caused by blood vessel blockages.

Minimally invasive catheter procedures

Not required.

Specialized ICU

No requirement for a separate intensive care unit for stroke patients.

Neurosurgery

Access to neurosurgery within two hours.

Patient transfers

Sends complex patients to a comprehensive stroke center.

 

COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER (This is Upstate.) 

Patient care

Takes care of brain aneurysms and all types of strokes, including ischemic and hemorrhagic, those caused by bleeding.

Minimally invasive catheter procedures

24/7 access to minimally invasive catheter procedures to treat stroke.

Specialized ICU

Dedicated neuroscience intensive care unit for stroke patients.

Neurosurgery

On-site neurosurgical availability 24/7 with the ability to perform complex neurovascular procedures such as brain aneurysm clipping, vascular malformation surgery and carotid endarterectomy.

Patient transfers

Receives patients from primary stroke centers.