Using GPS in a car ride provides a high-level view of where you are, where you are going and helps determine the correct path in real time. Similarly, when physicians access your arteries, they have navigation tools to track through tunnels and passageways in your body with precision and efficiency, helping to lead directly to a problem that needs solving. One of these tools is called biplane imaging, and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is home to the most updated biplane technology to ensure that patients experiencing strokes, blockages or other vascular conditions in the brain receive life-saving treatment as quickly as possible.

What is Biplane Imaging?

Championed by Vista radiologists Keith Woodward, MD, and Rob Hixson, MD, biplane imaging uses two rotational panels to produce CT-quality, three-dimensional views of the vascular system, bones and soft tissue in the body. Its precise and detailed images guide the neurointerventional radiologist and technologist in navigating through arteries and using instruments to remove a clot or treat a blockage.

“With this technology, we can bypass the CT scanner and get straight to fixing the problem, whether it’s a leaking aneurysm or blocked vessel. This can save up to 45 minutes,” says Dr. Woodward. “Patients can now go from the ambulance straight into the neuro lab and receive the critical treatment they need, saving time and brain.”

“Time is Brain”

“Often the only thing standing between a lifetime of paralysis and walking again comes down to two questions: where to go when you have a stroke, and how long it takes to get there. Time is brain,” Dr. Woodward explains. 

He stresses that it’s important for patients with complex strokes to be treated at a certified stroke center like Fort Sanders Regional, which provides advanced care for many of the area’s toughest stroke cases.

Committed to Excellent Care

In addition to Drs. Hixson and Woodward, the interventional radiology department staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center consists of specially trained staff who are on hand at all times. The stroke team treats more than 250 patients each year.  

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is the hub of Covenant Health’s stroke hospital network, offering both advanced stroke care and, for patients who need follow-up rehabilitation, comprehensive stroke rehab services offered by the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center located within the medical center.  For more information, visit FSRegional.com/stroke or call 865-673-FORT.

Award-Winning Stroke Care

[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-xs-12 col-sm-2″]

[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-xs-12 col-sm-10″]

Designated Comprehensive Stroke and Rehabilitation Center

Fort Sanders Regional is recognized by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. This means we’re part of an elite group of health care providers dedicated to complete, highly-specialized stroke care. We have the training, staff, and technology to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes. We are home to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, East Tennessee’s elite rehabilitation hospital for stroke, spinal cord and brain injury patients. PRNC is our region’s only stroke rehabilitation center accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

[/bs_col][/bs_row][bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-2″]

[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-10″]

Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

Fort Sanders Regional has received the American Heart Association/American Stoke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement. This designation means that we continue to be part of an elite group of providers focused on complex and highly specialized stroke care.