9-Minute Stroke Rescue: How a Life Was Saved at KIMS Icon Hospital
Visakhapatnam: At KIMS Icon Hospital, Visakhapatnam, doctors managed to treat a stroke patient with exceptional speed, completing a critical procedure in just nine minutes. The Head of Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Dr. Venkatesh Pothula, described how the situation unfolded.
According to him, a 60-year-old man from Visakhapatnam suddenly experienced paralysis and was brought to the hospital in an emergency.
Once the medical team examined him, a brain scan showed that a major artery supplying blood to the brain was blocked due to a clot. Recognizing the urgency, the stroke team prepared immediately for a mechanical thrombectomy, an advanced procedure used to manually remove the clot and restore blood flow.
Dr. Pothula explained that the team acted quickly and efficiently. Within nine minutes of beginning the procedure, they were able to remove the blockage and re-establish normal blood flow to the affected part of the brain.
The patient began showing signs of recovery within hours of the intervention. Restoring circulation so rapidly, he said, significantly increases the likelihood of regaining normal brain function.
He further emphasized that mechanical thrombectomy is a time-sensitive procedure.
During a stroke, every passing minute causes nearly two million brain cells to die. This is why rapid decision-making, seamless coordination among specialists, and the availability of advanced technology are so important in stroke care. The hospital’s organized emergency response system enabled the team to act without delay.
Stroke continues to be one of the top causes of long-term disability and death around the world.Typical warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, loss of balance, or blurred vision. Dr. Pothula stressed that anyone experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a hospital immediately.
Treatments such as thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy can greatly reduce the risk of severe disability when provided on time.
The doctor concluded by encouraging people to stay aware of stroke symptoms and to prioritize quick medical attention, as timely treatment can make the difference between recovery and permanent damage.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. With a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends, Kanchan manages social media, news coverage, and public relations activities. She coordinates media outreach, creates press releases, promotes healthcare professionals and institutions, and supports health awareness campaigns to ensure accurate, engaging, and timely communication for the medical community and the public.