The UPMC Stroke Institute is the first stroke center in western Pennsylvania to be certified by the Joint Commission and the first hospital in the region to achieve the Target Stroke Designation by the American Stroke Association. The Stroke Institute continuously consolidates its position at the forefront of stroke research through its major contributions to the design and implementation of domestic and international multicenter stroke trials in interventional acute stroke therapy, carotid and intracranial stenting, acute stroke imaging, stroke prevention and stroke regeneration through stem cell therapy and stroke care via telemedicine services.
The Stroke Institute is comprised of stroke-specific clinical inpatient services at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Mercy. Each year, over 2000 patients are admitted with cerebrovascular conditions. Outpatient stroke care is provided at the same two locations. Multiple medical services work together to provide outstanding patient care to maximize the potential for optimal outcomes. UPMC Mercy has integrated a neurovascular clinic staffed by stroke neurologists, neuroendovascular specialists and vascular neurosurgeons – combined with on-site extra- and intracranial ultrasound labs, UPMC Mercy is a prime example of the type of expert care a fully integrated neurovascular clinic can provide for ischemic or hemorrhagic conditions.
The unique UPMC hospital system allows faculty and staff to work with the eleven UPMC community-based hospitals, improving the standards of stroke care with advancement of telehealth accessibility. Stroke faculty provide acute stroke management out of UPMC Shadyside and Mercy; there is telemedicine equipment for 24/7 stroke assessment at all UPMC hospital sites and six additional non-UPMC facilities. The premier tele-stroke capabilities allow UPMC Stroke faculty to work with providers across the country.
In addition to providing expert stroke care, the UPMC Stroke Institute reaffirms its commitment to education through ongoing educational programs for health care professionals and the community alike. Advanced training in interventional vascular neurology is offered on a yearly basis through the UPMC neuroendovascular program; this program sponsors interventional fellows. Beside the dedicated vascular and interventional neurology training programs, stroke-specific education is offered medical students, residents, fellows and physicians visiting from abroad.
Stroke Institute faculty and staff provide educational opportunities for health care professionals and the community at large. An annual CME program is offered so physicians are able to provide the most up to date information on clinical trials and managements of stroke patients. There is also an annual spring all-day stroke nursing conference with CUE’s. Additionally, the Stroke Institute supports community stroke awareness programs at the local, state and national levels by participating in legislative activities that promote stroke care.
Director: Raul G. Nogueira, MD
Associate Director: Matthew T. Starr, MD