The future of stroke care: Rising to the challenge with innovation

In a survey across nine European countries, nearly one in five people could not identify a single stroke symptom.³ Raising public awareness of stroke signs and symptoms is a crucial first step in improving health outcomes, as delays in seeking medical attention due to poor symptom recognition can lead to patients arriving at the hospital too late for acute intervention.

Strengthening public awareness campaigns – such as promoting the F.A.S.T. acronym (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call emergency services) – is vital to help people recognize stroke quickly and act decisively to seek medical attention.

Emergency medical service providers, as the first patient contacts, can provide valuable assistance in streamlining the initial stages of the stroke care pathway. However, they need improved training and tools to help them confidently diagnose a possible stroke event and alert the appropriate personnel during patient transfer. Technology that assists caregivers with diagnosing stroke more accurately, either independently or with expert assistance, can alleviate uncertainty at first contact, reduce transfers, support faster treatment and improve overall outcomes.

In cardiovascular care, patient satisfaction, cost efficiency, and productivity are key factors in supporting positive outcomes. As an experienced cardiovascular leader, you understand the importance of balancing patient care with the business requirements of your department. Philips, a leader in image-guided therapy solutions, has collaborated with major health systems across the U.S. to address these challenges head-on. Let's explore three lessons learned from Philips customers, highlighting key innovations and collaborations that have led to improved patient outcomes and health system success.

Within the hospital, current diagnostic modalities and workflows need improvement and innovation. Some frustrations with current diagnostic imaging include decreased reliability for very early presenters, limited brain coverage, lengthy prep times and issues monitoring patient status. Faster and more accurate diagnostic imaging can significantly accelerate the care pathway.

Solutions that automate imaging processes to provide rapid high- quality results can drive timely diagnostic decisions and support seamless data sharing among the multidisciplinary stroke team. For example, artificial intelligence algorithms can rapidly analyze CT scans to detect large vessel occlusions and share this information with physicians across stroke networks. Even before hospital arrival, mobile stroke units equipped with CT scanners and telehealth capabilities can conduct rapid assessments and initiate the first stages of treatment.

Developing centralized stroke networks is key to extending this access to advanced therapies. Comprehensive stroke centers can partner with primary and thrombectomy-capable centers to coordinate rapid triage and transfer of eligible patients. Seamless communication platforms that allow multidisciplinary teams to share real-time data and collaborate on treatment decisions can further help minimize delays.

In the neuro suite, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has emerged as the gold-standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions. Yet globally, fewer than five percent of acute ischemic stroke patients receive timely and adequate treatment.⁴

Multiple clinical trials have proven MT's efficacy, but several challenges still impede its widespread adoption, including the need for 24/7 service lines with trained staff, sufficient neuro ICU beds, and coordination across regional stroke networks. Angio suites designed for streamlined stroke interventions, with features like simplified workflows, 3D imaging guidance and swift system startups, can help interventional teams work more efficiently to achieve rapid reperfusion.

Furthermore, early data suggests a "Direct-to-Angio Suite" approach – where comprehensive stroke diagnosis occurs in the angio suite itself – can significantly reduce door-to-treatment times.⁵ Currently, the WE-TRUST trial is evaluating this workflow's impact on patient outcomes.⁶

Stroke management doesn't end after acute treatment, either. Many stroke survivors require rehabilitation to regain function, as well as long-term monitoring and support to prevent recurrent strokes.

Extending care to rehabilitation centers and the patient's home with remote monitoring tools can help stroke survivors maximize recovery and catch signs of recurrence early. Providing clear information, effective communication, social support and ongoing review of needs can also help address the "hidden effects" of stroke, such as cognitive impairment, chronic pain and depression, all of which can contribute significantly to reduced quality of life.

Finally, as the field of neurovascular care evolves, it is critical to expand the pool of qualified physicians. Establishing dedicated MT training programs and exploring collaborations between interventional specialties can help meet the growing demand for neurointerventional expertise. Support systems that reduce administrative burdens and promote well-being are also essential for preventing burnout among stroke teams.

While the burden of stroke continues to grow, there are many opportunities to improve patient outcomes through enhanced methods of care. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can rise to the challenge of providing timely, effective stroke care to all patients in need. The path ahead requires ongoing collaboration from clinical leaders, industry partners and policymakers – but the potential impact on patients' lives makes these efforts well worthwhile.

Learn more about how innovative technologies and streamlined workflows can help enhance stroke care.