Jane Ellen Bialas did not feel anything unusual the morning her stroke occurred. No headache. No dizziness. No warning signs. She was working from home and described the morning as routine and productive.
Around midday, while on the phone with her husband, everything changed. She dropped her phone and when she reached down for it, she slid out of her chair. Within seconds, she realized she could not move her left arm or leg. Her speech began to slur. She called 911.
Emergency responders transported her to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, where the stroke team immediately began evaluation and treatment. Imaging confirmed an ischemic stroke caused by a clot blocking blood flow to her brain.
Her care team moved quickly. She received Tenecteplase, (TNK) a clot-dissolving medication, while physicians prepared for a mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove large clots directly from the brain.
Matthew Kole, MD, a neurosurgeon with Memorial Hermann’s Mischer Neuroscience Associates – Katy Neurosurgery located on the campus of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, performed the procedure.
“Jane Ellen’s outcome reflects what is possible when rapid recognition and advanced stroke care come together,” Dr. Kole said. “Mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow in ways that were not possible a decade ago, but the success of that treatment still depends on time. For every minute a large vessel remains blocked, brain tissue is at risk.”
In Jane Ellen's case, the team intervened quickly. “Our team reopened the vessel and gave her the best chance at recovery. Her progress has been remarkable and is a direct result of how quickly the team at Memorial Hermann Katy was able to identify her problem and coordinate care,” said Dr. Kole.
Jane Ellen’s husband, James, who arrived at the hospital in time to approve Dr. Kole’s treatment plan, said he couldn’t believe how fast it worked. By the time he saw her after the thrombectomy, she was already looking and sounding like herself again.
With assistance from speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, Jane Ellen began regaining strength and mobility within hours of her stroke and thrombectomy. She could speak clearly and regained movement in her arm and leg and began walking independently and performing basic daily activities without assistance. She was discharged back home just two days after her stroke.
Understanding Stroke: Why Time Matters
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. In ischemic strokes, which account for the majority of stroke cases, a clot blocks the artery supplying oxygen to brain tissue. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
That urgency is why clinicians use the phrase “time is brain.” Faster treatment can lead to better outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term disability.
TNK and mechanical thrombectomy are recognized as best practice stroke treatments. However, they are most effective for large vessel occlusions and must be performed within a defined time window. Not every patient is a candidate for these treatments.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including the location of the clot, how quickly treatment begins after symptoms start and the patient’s overall health. Jane Ellen was fortunate that her stroke symptoms were recognized early and treated promptly, which played a critical role in her recovery.
Advanced, Coordinated Stroke Care Close to Home
Jane Ellen’s recovery also reflects a broader investment in stroke care across the Memorial Hermann Health System.
Memorial Hermann Katy began performing emergent thrombectomies for patients experiencing large vessel occlusion strokes in April 2026. This expansion marks a significant step toward pursuing designation as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, a higher level of stroke care that allows hospitals to treat severe strokes without transferring patients to another facility.
A Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center is a specialized hospital certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services that validates a facility's ability to quickly and effectively treat severe ischemic strokes through mechanical thrombectomy. These centers provide 24/7 neuro-interventional care, leading to reduced disability and improved outcomes for patients.
The addition of neuroendovascular surgeons to the hospital medical staff, including Dr. Kole and Elvira Lekka, MD, also with Memorial Hermann’s Mischer Neuroscience Associates – Katy Neurosurgery, strengthens the hospital’s ability to deliver advanced neurological care around the clock. These services are typically available 24/7, allowing patients to receive immediate treatment when it matters most.
Already designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Memorial Hermann Katy also has earned the American Heart Association’s Get with The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award in 2024 and 2025.
The addition of thrombectomy capabilities builds on that foundation and aligns with the hospital’s continued investment in emergency and trauma care for the Katy community.
Jane Ellen’s case demonstrates how coordinated care across emergency responders, physicians, nurses and rehabilitation specialists can change the trajectory of a life-threatening event. From rapid transport to immediate diagnosis and intervention, every step was executed with urgency and precision. Her physicians communicated clearly, her nurses reinforced recovery and her therapy team helped her regain her independence within days.
Life After a Stroke
After returning home, Jane Ellen resumed her daily life with minimal limitations. She continues follow-up care and manages risk factors, including a prior history of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
In addition to spending time with her grandchildren, Jane Ellen also returned to one of the defining parts of her life in the Houston area. For more than 30 years, she and her husband have been active volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest and most economically and culturally significant events in the region.
The rodeo is more than an annual event. It is a major driver of scholarships, youth programs and community investment across Southeast Texas. The rodeo committee raises funds that directly support education and provide opportunities for local students.
Jane Ellen’s involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to community service. Returning to that role after her stroke marks a full-circle moment in her recovery.
Her experience underscores an important point. Access to advanced stroke care, delivered quickly and locally, can mean the difference between permanent disability and full recovery.
Learn more about the Stroke Thrombectomy capabilities at Memorial Hermann »