AVMC Receives Primary Plus Stroke Center Certification from DNV

(Lancaster, CA, January 19, 2022) – Antelope Valley Medical Center announces that it has received certification from DNV as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. DNV is the first accreditation body to issue a Stroke Plus Certification, making Antelope Valley Medical Center a Thrombectomy Capable Center.

“This certification let’s our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,” says Edward Mirzabegian, CEO of Antelope Valley Medical Center. “It’s a combination of the right personnel, equipment and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program and ensures the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

As a Thrombectomy Capable Center, AVMC performs Mechanical Thrombectomy (clot retrieval), which is a procedure for patients experiencing an ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in a large vessel in the brain. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel along with a device to physically remove the blockage from the blocked vessel in the brain. Patients are only eligible up to the first 24-hours after their stroke began. This procedure is performed by an interventional neurologist and AVMC is currently the only hospital in the region with the capability to perform this procedure.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” says Patrick Horine, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” effects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

For more information about Antelope Valley Medical Center’s Advanced Primary Stroke Program, please visit www.AVMC.org/stroke