Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has expanded its stroke care capabilities with the addition of 24/7 mechanical thrombectomy, a lifesaving treatment that dramatically reduces the risk of death and permanent disability in patients experiencing an ischemic stroke, the hospital announced on June 8.

A mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove large blood clots directly from the brain. According to the American Heart Association, timely access to this procedure is one of the most effective ways to prevent long-term neurological damage.

Previously, patients requiring this advanced intervention had to be transferred to another Memorial Hermann campus. Now Memorial Hermann Katy can provide immediate, high-level treatment minimizing critical delays and keeping patients in their own community.

“When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts,” said Jerry Ashworth, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. “By adding mechanical thrombectomy to our stroke program, we are removing the barrier of transport time and increasing a patient’s chance of walking, talking and regaining their independence following a stroke.”

One of the hospital’s first mechanical thrombectomy cases was successfully performed recently on patient Jane Ellen Bialas. While working from home, Bialas suddenly lost movement in her left arm and leg and began slurring her speech. Recognizing the emergency, she dialed 911 and was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Katy.

Upon arrival, Bialas was triaged and it was determined she was having an ischemic stroke caused by a clot blocking blood flow to her brain. The medical team quickly administered the clot-busting medication Tenecteplase (TNK) while preparing her for a mechanical thrombectomy. Matthew Kole, MD, a neurosurgeon with Memorial Hermann’s Mischer Neuroscience Associates – Katy Neurosurgery, performed the procedure to reopen the blocked vessel and restore blood flow to her brain.

Thanks to the rapid, coordinated response of the medical team, Bialas improved within hours. She was able to walk independently and perform daily activities just two days after her stroke. Today, she is back to enjoying time with her grandchildren and is looking forward to continuing her volunteer work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a passion of hers for more than 30 years.

“Jane Ellen’s outcome reflects what is possible when rapid recognition and advanced stroke care come together,” said Dr. Kole. “Mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow in ways that were not possible a decade ago, but the success of that treatment still depends on time. Our team intervened quickly, reopened the vessel, and gave her the best chance at recovery.”

Dr. Kole and his colleague Elvira Lekka, MD recently joined Memorial Hermann to lead the mechanical thrombectomy program on the Katy campus. Memorial Hermann Katy is already designated as a Primary Stroke Center and is a recipient of the American Heart Association’s :Get With The Guidelines

Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award” for both 2024 and 2025. The introduction of mechanical thrombectomy capabilities builds upon this foundation and aligns with the hospital’s continued investment in emergency and trauma care for the Katy community. For more information on stroke capabilities at Memorial Hermann, visit memorialhermann.org/stroke.