by Journeying to the hospital after suffering a stroke can be a race against time, as the severity of the stroke needs to be assessed swiftly. Recognizing this critical need, a team of Dutch scientists from Amsterdam UMC (University Medical Centers) has developed an innovative brain-wave-reading cap that allows strokes to be evaluated even before the patient arrives at the hospital.
This groundbreaking device, called a portable EEG (electroencephalogram)-performing cap, is specifically designed for use in ambulances. It is used to assess patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke. By utilizing brain wave readings obtained through the cap, medical professionals can determine whether the blockage in the cerebral blood vessel is large or small.
This distinction is crucial because if the blocked vessel is large, the patient must be transported to a specialized hospital where surgeons can remove the clot. On the other hand, if the obstruction is smaller, the patient can be taken to a regular hospital and administered blood-thinning medication instead.
To ensure its efficacy and accuracy, the cap underwent rigorous testing between 2018 and 2022. It was deployed in 12 Dutch ambulances and utilized on over 400 stroke patients. The results were highly encouraging, showing that the cap could accurately identify patients with a large ischemic stroke. As a result, the device is now being commercialized by TrianecT, a spinoff company of Amsterdam UMC.
Dr. Jonathan Coutinho, a neurologist and one of the inventors of the cap, emphasizes the importance of time when it comes to stroke. He states, “When it comes to stroke, time is literally brain.” By having a clear diagnosis available during the ambulance ride, healthcare professionals can efficiently direct the patient to the appropriate hospital, saving precious time that can significantly impact the patient’s outcome.
The introduction of this brain-wave-reading cap marks a significant advancement in stroke care. Its utilization in ambulances allows for early and accurate assessment, leading to faster and more tailored treatment for stroke patients. With this technology, strokes can be promptly diagnosed in transit, improving the chances of a positive prognosis.
As the cap moves into commercialization, the hope is that it will become a standard tool in ambulances worldwide. Its potential to revolutionize stroke assessment and expedite appropriate care delivery makes it an invaluable addition to the medical field. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, the brain-wave-reading cap is transforming stroke care and providing a lifeline for patients in their time of need.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
