AI to determine care for stroke patients in the UK

A UK hospital has complete the first trial of a new AI diagnostic tool that aims to help stroke victims and other heart problems.

Hereford County Hospital, located in the West Midlands, used RapidAI software to analyse brain images of stroke patients and determine whether a patient is suitable for either an operation or drugs to remove a blood clot.

The software works by automatically identifying the presence of Large Vessel Occlusions — a blockage in one of the main arteries in the brain — as well as highlighting any possible intracranial hemorrhages — areas of bleeding — and gives a rating which is used to determine critical changes in the level of blood flow on CT brain scans in acute strokes.

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Jenny Vernel, senior radiographer and PACS manager at the Wye Valley NHS Trust, said the results and images are immediately made available to the Trust’s existing Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS) as well as the stroke team and Neuroradiologists.

Doctors can then assess the imaging to decide on the “best treatment for the patient in the shortest time possible to maximise the reversal of stroke symptoms and vastly improve patient recovery”, she added.

“AI will never replace the clinical expertise that our doctors and consultants have, but harnessing this latest technology is allowing us to make very quick decisions based on the experiences of thousands of other stroke patients.

“The system is linked to the Comprehensive Stroke Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, meaning that clinical teams and experts at both sites can make faster and more informed clinical decisions — this is essential when treating stroke patients.”

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