Key Summary
- AI rapidly reads CT scans, leading to faster decisions and more timely thrombectomies
- Quick diagnosis and transfer to specialist centres improve recovery and reduce disability
- Study of 26 hospitals shows significant clinical benefits for thousands of stroke patients
An AI tool rolled out by the NHS to a network of over 70 hospitals is helping doctors spot deadly clots in minutes while treating stroke patients, and improve clinical outcomes.
The landmark analysis published in The Lancet Digital Health shows that around 15,000 patients directly benefitted from having their scans reviewed by Brainomix 360 Stroke imaging tool.
The AI platform analyses CT scans in real time, identifying key features of a major stroke within minutes.
This helps make doctors take faster clinical decisions and patients have better chances of recovery after a stroke.
They are more likely to undergo thrombectomy - a minimally invasive clot-removing procedure.
Thrombectomy is time-sensitive procedure and delays could impact recoveries.
Hence, a rapid scan reading, followed by a swift transfer to specialist stroke centres help patients recover better after a stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in England, and each year the country records around 80,000 strokes.
Early diagnosis and speedy treatment are crucial as every minute without treatment can destroy millions of brain cells.
NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke and co-author of this study Dr David Hargroves said, ““This technology supports clinicians to make rapid treatment decisions, which means more patients can receive life- and disability-saving treatments in time – giving them a better chance of returning to independent living.”
The study was done from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, at 26 hospitals
