Wednesday, August 09, 2023
Brainomix's e-Stroke AI platform is driving positive transformations for an increasing population of stroke patients, as detailed in a recent report from the Oxford Academic Health Science Network (Oxford AHSN).
By harnessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI), Brainomix's e-Stroke imaging technology rapidly processes CT and MRI scans, promptly notifying doctors about patients who could greatly benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). This innovative therapy holds the potential to substantially curtail disability and minimize the need for prolonged care in individuals confronting severe strokes stemming from the blockage of crucial brain blood vessels. Swift recognition of this stroke subtype and immediate transfer to specialized treatment centers assume a pivotal role in achieving the most favorable outcomes for patients.
Nonetheless, a significant proportion of eligible stroke patients in the UK do not undergo mechanical thrombectomy. This particular procedure is conducted by specialized teams in only 25 out of the 170 acute hospitals scattered throughout England. Given that the majority of suspected stroke cases are initially evaluated at local hospital emergency departments, rapid identification and referral of potential thrombectomy candidates to specialized facilities become imperative to avert irreversible brain damage. This process hinges on the interpretation of brain scans at the local hospital, which can prove intricate.
An autonomous evaluation of e-Stroke, overseen by the Oxford AHSN, is currently in progress with the participation of 24 hospitals across England. This pioneering technology adeptly processes CT and MRI brain scans in less than two minutes and shares outcomes with physicians' smartphones and hospital systems. Furthermore, the platform fosters connections between experts from different hospitals, thereby facilitating enhanced communication and coordinated care.
Initial findings from the independent evaluation by the Oxford AHSN reveal that hospitals equipped with e-Stroke witnessed a treatment rate surpassing the national average by over 55%. Treatment rates soared to 5.7% in these hospitals in contrast to the national average of 3.6%. This significant advancement underscores that a multitude of patients are benefiting from life-altering MT treatment, thus mitigating the enduring repercussions of stroke. Notably, several of the most high-performing hospitals involved in the evaluation achieved MT rates exceeding 10%, aligning with the objectives outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.
Following the reception of the NHS AI in Health and Care Award in 2020, Brainomix collaborated with the Oxford AHSN to facilitate the broader integration of e-Stroke through Integrated Stroke Delivery Networks (ISDNs). Additionally, the Oxford AHSN is meticulously gauging the impact of e-Stroke on patient and clinical outcomes, care pathways, and overall productivity.
The independent evaluation also encompasses insights from participating specialist doctors within the NHS. A substantial majority reported that e-Stroke aided in identifying more eligible patients for treatment and enhanced communication between hospitals. Moreover, a notable portion pointed out that e-Stroke expedited decision-making and improved access to MT.
Professor Gary Ford CBE, FMedSci, Chief Executive of the Oxford AHSN and a Consultant Stroke Physician at Oxford University Hospitals, expressed optimism regarding the transformative potential of incorporating AI imaging technology within stroke networks. Collaborative endeavors with Brainomix and NHS partners aspire to ensure the widespread adoption of e-Stroke, with the ongoing evaluation furnishing valuable evidence to substantiate its continued implementation.
Dr. George Harston, Chief Medical & Innovation Officer at Brainomix and Consultant Stroke Physician at Oxford University Hospitals, underscored the significance of the NHS AI Award in facilitating the deployment of e-Stroke across diverse NHS hospital networks. He emphasized the impressive interim results, showcasing hospitals utilizing e-Stroke achieving substantially elevated thrombectomy rates, ultimately extending critical treatment access to a larger patient cohort nationwide. Insights from colleagues within the NHS underscored the software's contribution to providing more streamlined and impactful stroke services in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Dr. Harston eagerly anticipates further results from the ongoing evaluation, building upon what he considers the most extensive real-world and independent assessment of a stroke AI imaging platform.
https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/brainomix-ai-technology-improves-access-to-stroke-treatment-across-the-nhs-301891489.html
