Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) has been certified as an Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center by the American Stroke Association and The Joint Commission. This certification recognizes RUMC’s expertise in performing thrombectomies, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots from veins or arteries in stroke victims.
Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Chief Medical Officer at RUMC, expressed satisfaction with the designation, stating it highlights their neurointerventional team’s commitment to providing high-level thrombectomy care. He emphasized the importance of prompt clot removal for patients with large vessel occlusions, noting that “time is brain” when dealing with strokes.
The certification followed a rigorous review process conducted by The Joint Commission. This included an unannounced onsite evaluation of compliance with certification standards related to program management and patient care. RUMC has been serving Staten Island for over 120 years and launched its thrombectomy program in 2019.
Daniel J. Messina, President and CEO of RUMC, described the certification as a significant milestone in their commitment to advanced stroke care. He credited the dedication of their medical team for ensuring patients receive top-quality treatment during critical moments.
Ken Grubbs from The Joint Commission praised RUMC for using the certification process to enhance clinical processes and improve patient safety and quality of care. Nancy Brown from the American Stroke Association also congratulated RUMC on this achievement.
Strokes are a major health concern in the United States, being the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. In 2022 alone, strokes accounted for over 165,300 deaths nationwide.
In addition to this new certification, RUMC is preparing to open a new facility—the Joan and Alan Bernikow Heart and Vascular Institute—in 2026. This state-of-the-art center will feature advanced biplane imaging technology for interventional procedures.
The expansion includes increasing preoperative bays from four to seven within RUMC’s Catheterization Suite to accommodate growing patient volumes better. The project is supported by contributions from local philanthropists Joan and Alan Bernikow, among others.
RUMC continues its mission as a not-for-profit healthcare provider offering comprehensive services across various medical disciplines on Staten Island.
