The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said on March 17 the patient was treated under a “drip-and-ship” strategy, combining clot-busting drugs, telemedicine and helicopter transfer to meet the critical treatment window.
The 59-year-old man from Thai Nguyen Province developed symptoms including right-side weakness, facial drooping and slurred speech while having lunch. He was taken to the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Centre.
Initial assessment found he was conscious but had mild paralysis and speech impairment, with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 4. However, a CT scan revealed a major blockage in the middle cerebral artery, indicating a high risk of deterioration.
Doctors activated a telemedicine system to consult stroke specialists in Ho Chi Minh City and decided to administer Alteplase to restore blood flow.
About 45 minutes into treatment, the patient’s condition worsened, with loss of speech and movement on his right side as his NIHSS score rose to 20. After ruling out brain haemorrhage, doctors completed thrombolytic therapy and arranged an emergency transfer.
Given the island’s distance of more than 200 kilometres from the mainland, a helicopter was deployed to shorten transport time. The patient continued receiving treatment during the flight, which cost more than VND 300 million (about USD 11,400).
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, he underwent further imaging and endovascular intervention. Doctors found partial recanalisation and successfully removed the clot, fully restoring blood flow.
His condition improved significantly within hours, and by the evening he was more alert, regained some movement and gradually recovered his speech.
Authorities said the case highlights the importance of timely stroke treatment and effective coordination between island healthcare facilities and mainland specialist centres, supported by telemedicine and rotating medical staff.
