On 6/12, associate professor, doctor Nguyen Huy Thang, head of the Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases at Nhan Dan 115 Hospital, reported that the patient made a remarkable recovery after receiving thrombolytic medication directly at the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center. The man was admitted with right-sided weakness and was treated within the extended therapeutic window, which is between 5 and 9 hours after symptom onset. This timeframe is considered critical for stroke cases.

The patient regained motor function after receiving thrombolytic medication. Photo: Provided by doctor

Upon the patient's admission, doctor Chu Duc Manh and his rotating medical team on the island performed a CT scan and transmitted the image data to Nhan Dan 115 Hospital. In TP HCM, associate professor Thang and master of science, doctor Pham Nguyen Binh immediately conducted a remote consultation. The team of experts diagnosed the patient with a moderate cerebral infarction (NIHSS score of 6), affecting motor and language functions, but without basilar artery occlusion. The doctors agreed to treat the patient on-site rather than transferring him, as chartering a helicopter would be costly and would not offer additional specialized medical benefits.

The patient's family faced financial difficulties, having only 3 million VND. Despite this, their concern led them to insist on borrowing money to charter a flight to the mainland. After doctors explained the risks of transfer and assured them of the local treatment protocol, the family agreed. The hospital also flexibly supported the cost of the thrombolytic medication, approximately 11 million VND, to ensure timely intervention. Just one hour after receiving rtPA, the man recovered almost completely, walking and speaking clearly, with only slight facial asymmetry remaining. He is expected to be discharged soon.

This marks the second successful acute stroke case treated with recanalization in Con Dao within the past two months, thanks to the collaboration between rotating doctors and the Telemedicine system. According to associate professor Thang, developing stroke units in island regions, isolated from the mainland, allows patients to access timely reperfusion techniques, minimizing the risk of death and permanent disability.

Associate professor, doctor Tang Chi Thuong, director of the TP HCM Department of Health, praised this model, stating that the program sending specialist doctors to the island has proven its effectiveness. Implementing advanced techniques like thrombolysis at the local level not only narrows the healthcare gap between remote islands and the mainland but also significantly reduces risks for patients who would otherwise require air or sea transfer.

The patient is able to walk after receiving thrombolytic medication. Photo: Provided by doctor

Con Dao, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and now an administrative unit of TP HCM, receives significant healthcare investment to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, with the goal of "leaving no one behind". Since early september, the TP HCM Department of Health has organized a rotation of skilled doctors from major city hospitals to work for one month at the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center.

Le Phuong