Scientists from the Amsterdam UMC developed a unique cap, known as Strokepointer, that has the capability to diagnose a stroke while en route to the hospital. This innovative approach enables the timely identification of a stroke and the initiation of appropriate treatment.
The Strokepointer cap functions through electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, which can determine whether an ischemic stroke, caused by oxygen deprivation in a specific area of the brain, has occurred. This is crucial because brain cells begin to die within minutes of a stroke’s onset.
How does it work?
The cap assists in determining whether there is a large or small blockage of blood vessels in the brain. This information guides the doctor’s subsequent actions: for a small stroke, anticoagulants may be prescribed, while a large stroke necessitates surgical intervention to remove a blood clot. This accurate assessment allows for the immediate transportation of the patient to the appropriate hospital, optimizing time savings.
Between 2018 and 2022, researchers conducted tests on the cap at 12 ambulance stations in the Netherlands. Data obtained from nearly 400 patients demonstrated that the device accurately detects large ischemic strokes.
“When it comes to a stroke, every second is invaluable. The earlier treatment can begin, the better the prognosis. If the diagnosis is made in the ambulance, the patient can be directly transported to the appropriate hospital, saving precious time,” states Coutinho, one of the researchers involved in the project.
Integration with artificial intelligence
Trainect, an organization affiliated with Amsterdam UMC, is currently working on the commercialization of Strokepointer. Additionally, researchers are developing an artificial intelligence system to further enhance the diagnosis of large ischemic strokes within ambulance settings.