World Stroke Day 

Theme – Together we are #Greater Than Stroke

• Vipul Gupta-Director- Neurointervention and Co-Chief -Stroke Unit, Artemis Agrim Institute of Neurosciences

Ahead of World Stroke Day 2023, doctors from Agrim Institute of Neurosciences, Artemis Hospital conducted an enlightening awareness session to address the growing concern of strokes, especially among the younger population in recent times.

The session, featured a remarkable patient case highlighting the crucial role of their exclusive AI software in timely stroke treatment.

This is claimed to be the first time in India, that any hospital has adopted to an Artificial Intelligence radiology software capable of independently analyzing CT and CT angiography images and promptly notifying the medical team if intervention is required.

The 43-year-old patient, who suffered from diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and dyslipidaemia, experienced mild upper limb weakness, which progressively worsened to involve her lower limb and speech. She was rushed to Artemis Hospital for immediate care, where acute stroke protocols, including CT-CT angiography and MRI, revealed a significant infarct on the right side of her brain and complete closure of the right internal carotid artery. The stroke team at Artemis Hospital acted swiftly, as the AI software, which automatically processed the patient’s imaging data within 2-3 minutes of her arrival and alerted the neuro-interventionist, stroke neurologist, neuro-anaesthesia, and critical care teams to prepare for immediate intervention.

The entire team was swiftly ready for the procedure. A catheter was placed in the right common carotid artery, revealing the persistent closure of the right internal carotid artery. A stent retriever device was carefully positioned to engage and remove the clot, leading to the restoration of blood flow. Subsequent angiography identified cholesterol deposits in the brain blood vessel, prompting the administration of blood-thinning medications.

The procedure was performed while the patient remained awake, and she was subsequently monitored in the Intensive Care Unit. Despite significant initial damage due to stroke, the patient made a remarkable recovery within no time and was on her way to resuming a normal lifestyle.

Every minute of delay can result in the loss of two million brain cells, making timely intervention imperative. The major challenge lies in diagnosing and initiating treatment promptly, especially considering patients may present at any time of the day (like in this case-patient arrived in early morning 3:45 AM). Even a half-hour delay could have significantly reduced the chances of the patient’s recovery. By implementing AI software, Artemis Hospital has reduced procedure time and expanded its reach to smaller cities, setting up local stroke centers equipped with AI software to promptly identify patients in need of emergency procedures. This strategic approach ensures that patients requiring acute intervention/ Mechanical Thrombectomy are transferred to Artemis Hospital, while others receive treatment at local centers.

Artemis Hospital’s commitment to advancing stroke care, harnessing cutting-edge technology, and extending its reach to smaller cities exemplifies its dedication to improving patient outcomes and ensuring that stroke victims have the best chance at a full recovery. The Stroke unit of Artemis Hospital was recently awarded with Diamond status Award by World Stroke Organisation for being the best unit in management of Stroke.