The Georgia Regents Medical Center in Augusta has become the first hospital in the state to be designated as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Georgia Regents University clinical affairs spokeswoman Denise Parrish said the facility is one of 20 in the nation to be selected as a comprehensive stroke center.

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations conducted a two-day review of the medical center and noted, among other things, the continuous availability of specialized treatments, specially trained and educated staff and advanced imaging technology.

Last year the medical center became the first in Georgia to use VasoCT Imaging — which produces high resolution, three-dimensional images of arteries and veins in the brain and neck to help neurosurgeons locate and open blockages.

Tags: health, stroke, Joint Commission, gpbwell, georgia regents medical center, advanced comprehensive stroke center