Cleveland Clinic Akron General Receives Highest Level of Stroke Care Designation

Cleveland Clinic Akron General has recently become a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), designated by The Joint Commission, ranking among the top programs in the country. The new designation showcases the collaborative team approach and neurological care provided to patients with the most emergent and complex cerebrovascular conditions.

“Our team approach to how we care for patients while leaning into our highly advanced capability is why we are able to do what we do,” said Ahmed Itrat, M.D., Stroke Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. “We have robust hospital processes that ensure that the stroke patients are managed and treated with the highest level of care. Our stroke program is entering an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow and deliver increasingly advanced care to our community.”

Comprehensive Stroke Centers provide a wide spectrum of care for stroke patients and act as hubs for patients and provide stroke research. It is the highest level of specialized care, including both blocked arteries and bleeding (hemorrhagic) strokes with 24/7 access to advanced treatments like neurosurgery, endovascular procedures, specialized neuro-ICUs and expert teams.

Other key requirements to become a Comprehensive Stroke Center include:

• Advanced Diagnostics & Imaging
• Emergency Triage System for Rapid Stroke Treatments
• Standardized Medical Management Approach
• Dedicated Stroke Units
• Minimally Invasive Endovascular Therapy (EVT) for Stroke and Aneurysms
• Presence of Specialized Staff
• Specialized Neurological and Neurosurgical Intensive Care
• High-quality Research & Education
• Comprehensive Stroke Follow-up Process

Following its recent designation, Akron General continues to advance its stroke care capabilities, highlighted by the opening of a newly renovated Endovascular Suite. This state-of-the-art suite features cutting-edge technology designed to deliver the highest level of care for complex, minimally invasive procedures. Among its key innovations is the ability to significantly reduce radiation exposure and contrast doses, ensuring safer, more efficient, more effective treatments for patients.

Enhanced imaging capabilities further distinguish the program, with advanced 4-D imaging technology providing unparalleled real-time visualization of intricate areas within the brain. This precision enables clinicians to address even the most challenging cases with confidence and accuracy.

As a leading hub for stroke and acute care in southern Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Akron General ranks among the busiest centers in the region, treating more than 1,000 stroke patients annually.