Stroke

Stroke is the second commonest cause of human mortality worldwide, and the major cause of permanent disability. Ischemic stroke occurs when a piece of blood clot or free-floating arteriosclerotic plaque lodges in an artery, reducing or totally blocking blood flow to the brain. One million ischemic strokes occur worldwide each year, accounting for about 80% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for the remaining 20%. This is caused by rupture of blood vessels in the brain. One-third of the cases are due to rupture of cerebral aneurysm.

In Hong Kong, 50-60 people suffer from stroke each day, and the average age is dropping. Of these, ten result in fatality daily, amounting to 10% of all mortality in Hong Kong. VIR may offer patients the hope of another chance to live, and live with dignity, independence, and even the ability to work.

Mrs. Lau goes about her daily chores like any other housewife. One can hardly tell that she had a stroke four years ago and was on the brink of death. Doctors performed a VIR operation on her in the nick of time. Through a microcatheter inserted at the groin and passed all the way up into the blocked vessel in the right brain, drugs were infused to dissolve the blood clot. Mrs. Lau regained consciousness the next day and started speaking and moving her limbs again.

Her husband is grateful to the doctors to this day.

“This treatment gave her a new chance to live. Otherwise, both of us would be miserable”