For the first time in Durham Region, Lakeridge Health stroke teams have access to advanced brain imaging that can help better understand what is happening and determine the right treatment.
Called CT Perfusion with RapidAI, the technology is now available at Ajax Pickering and Oshawa Hospitals. CT Perfusion is a specialized CT scan that shows how blood is flowing through the brain. RapidAI uses artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly analyze images. This helps doctors see which areas of the brain may be damaged and which may still be saved with treatment.
When someone is having a stroke, every second matters. A blood clot can block blood and oxygen from reaching the brain, quickly causing damage, explained a Lakeridge Health statement.
Lakeridge Health already administers clot-busting medication for acute stroke in appropriate cases, and this new imaging technology will help guide this therapy. For some patients, treatment may involve physically removing the clot using specialized procedures to restore blood flow to the brain. With this new imaging technology available locally, staff can more quickly identify the right patients that may benefit from transfer to a specialized stroke centre in Toronto.
Comprehensive Stroke Centre
“We’re proud to offer this enhanced brain scan which strengthens stroke care for people across Durham Region,” said Dr. Randy Wax, Chief of Staff, Lakeridge Health. “Having this technology here means more care can begin closer to home, while keeping patients connected to specialized stroke centres when they need them. We are also another step closer to developing our own comprehensive stroke centre here in Durham Region.”
The arrival of CT perfusion with RapidAI expands how Lakeridge Health uses innovative technology to support patient care. It follows July’s launch of the Stryker 4.0 Orthopedic Robotics Platform at Ajax Pickering Hospital, which allows surgical teams to plan and perform joint replacement procedures with an even greater level of precision.