NICE has said that 3 pieces of artificial intelligence (AI)-derived software can be used to help review and report CT brain scans for people who have had a suspected stroke. These technologies are called e-Stroke, RapidAI and Viz.
The CT scans will always also be reviewed by a healthcare professional.
More research is needed on 10 pieces of AI-derived software that are used to help review and report CT brain scans for people who have had a suspected stroke. These technologies are called:
- Accipio
- Aidoc
- BioMind
- BrainScan CT
- Cercare
- CINA Head
- CT Perfusion 4D
- icobrain ct
- Neuro Solution
- qER.
When a person has a suspected stroke, a CT brain scan is done to find out if the stroke is ischaemic (a type of stroke that happens when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain). A CT scan can also help to decide what treatment to use. Clots can be dispersed with a ‘clot-buster’ medicine that breaks up clots (thrombolysis) or removed with surgery (thrombectomy).
Software that uses AI-derived algorithms can analyse CT brain scan images to find changes and abnormalities in the brain. It then reports these findings and a healthcare professional reviews the scans and results. Using this software could help to review scans more quickly and give people faster access to treatment. The technologies allow images to be transferred to different stroke centres. This means that stroke centres with more expertise can help make decisions about care, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Is this diagnosis method right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other methods of reviewing scans?
- What are the risks? How likely are they?
- How long will the test take?
- How do I get my test results? Will there be a follow-up appointment?
Information and support
The NHS website on stroke may be a good place to find out more.
Stroke Association, 0300 3300 740, can give you advice and support:
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
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