Reducing stroke risk through the wrist?

Debbie Moore was 18 years old when she lost her father to a stroke. He was only 55. 

Recently, her own health was at risk for the same reason. But thanks to her care team at Advocate Sherman Hospital, Moore says she feels like she has avoided the same fate as her dad. 

“He didn’t have the kind of doctors I do to help him through this,” she explains. 

Moore was diagnosed with significant blockage in her carotid artery, which occurs when plaque builds up in the vessels that transport blood to the brain – and carry the potential to cause stroke. She underwent carotid surgery to remove the blockage, but a year later, she had an almost total blockage again. Now, she needed a different solution. 

Dr. Chad Morreale, an interventional cardiologist at Advocate Sherman, and the team initially considered placing a stent through Moore’s femoral artery in her groin, a traditional method of treating blockages. Instead, they opted for a less invasive alternative – placing a carotid stent through the radial artery in the wrist. This made Moore the first patient at the hospital to receive a stent in this way. 

“From the start, we knew Debbie needed a carotid stent to reduce her stroke risk,” says Dr. Morreale. “The radial approach offered a safe, straightforward path, and our team was able to use its expertise to deliver the care she needed. It’s about giving the patient the right therapy.” 

Dr. Morreale explains this approach is favorable because it’s more comfortable for patients, comes with a lower risk of bleeding and has a far quicker recovery timeline.

Today, Moore says she feels better than she has in years. She’s resumed her normal life and is back to doing her favorite things: spending time with her family and riding her motorcycle. She believes she’s been given a second chance. 

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