New Clinical Trial Represents One of the Largest Global Studies to Examine the Effectiveness of Advanced Mechanical Treatment in Stroke Care

West Palm Beach, Fla. (May 22, 2014) – InterventionalneurologistAli Malek, MD, FSNIS, and St. Mary’s Medical Center, part of Tenet Florida’s Advanced Neuroscience Network are joining an international clinical study to examine the adjunctive use of mechanical thrombectomy during the early stages of acute ischemic stroke onset.

The randomized controlled trial may enroll up to 800 patients across 60 centers globally and will examine acute ischemic stroke patients treated with either intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) alone or IV tPA in combination with Covidien’s Solitaire™ FR Revascularization Device, an overlapping stent-based technology that provides substantially improved clinical outcomes to the previous generation of devices. The study will also include an extensive health economics analysis.

“Part of our responsibility as a Comprehensive Stroke Center is to do research and educate,” said Dr. Ali Malek, the trial’s principal investigator and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Participating in this study allows us to be proactive in searching for the best way to treat acute ischemic stroke patients.”

Acute ischemic stroke occurs when a clot in a blood vessel blocks blood supply to the brain. According to the American Heart Association, acute ischemic stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fourth most common cause of death in the United States.

“We are excited to be part of this important initiative and combine our research strengths to improve the health of citizens all over the world,” said CEO Davide Carbone. “Collaborative research at St. Mary’s Medical Center is part of our efforts to provide the highest level of care to the members of our community.”

The Solitaire FR device that will be used in the trial received U.S. FDA 510(k) marketing clearance in 2012 and CE Mark approval in 2009.

About St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Mary’s Medical Center, a part of Tenet Florida, is a 464-bed acute care hospital located at 901 45th Street in West Palm Beach. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of the greater West Palm Beach area for more than 75 years. St. Mary’s Medical Center offers a broad array of adult and pediatric services with more than 175 doctors representing more than 30 specialties, including: a Provisional Level 1 Trauma Center, a state-designated Pediatric Trauma Referral Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center and a state-designated Brain and Spinal Cord Acute Injury Center. Additional services include the Neuroscience Center, High-Risk Obstetrical Unit with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, the Rehabilitation Institute, the Memory Disorders Center, Kaplan Cancer Center, Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, Schwartz Kidney Dialysis Center and the Institute for Mental Health.

Pediatric services are provided at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center, which is the only dedicated children’s hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Along with 24/7 dedicated pediatric emergency and trauma care, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital offers some of the most specialized pediatric services that include limb reconstruction and lengthening at the Paley Advanced Limb Lengthening Institute, adolescent bariatrics, pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, including the congenital heart surgery program, pediatric oncology program, which includes membership in the Children’s Oncology Group – a clinical trials group supported by the National Cancer Institute, pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedics. In addition, in-house pediatric intensivists work with area pediatricians to care for children while staying at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital.

St. Mary’s Medical Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency, and is a member of the Children’s Hospital Association. The hospital has won many prestigious awards, including the Tenet Circle of Excellence award two out of the last three years. Additionally, the hospital earned an “A” Hospital Safety Score from the Leapfrog Group. To learn more about St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, visitwww.stmarysmc.com, www.palmbeachchildrens.com or call 561-844-6300.

About The Advanced Neuroscience Network
The Advanced Neuroscience Network is an integrated delivery system of medical professionals and hospitals focused on offering a full continuum of neurological care throughout South Florida. From prevention and diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation, members of the Advanced Neuroscience Network are dedicated to providing clinical expertise and hope to individuals suffering from neurological disorders.