Implementation of a telestroke system for general physicians without a nearby stroke center to shorten the time to intravenous thrombolysis for acute cerebral infarction

摘要

Aim We aimed to establish a telestroke system for general physicians in areas without a nearby stroke center and investigate its usefulness for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) therapy for patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods We used a hub and spoke model, in which a hub hospital provided telestroke support to the spoke hospitals in rural areas that were not nearby a stroke center. The telestroke support device enabled the sharing of images and real‐time face‐to‐face discussion with a stroke specialist for diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the effect of this telestroke system on shortening time to start rt‐PA therapy. Result One hub and three spoke hospitals were selected. From May 2017 to November 2018, seven patients (77.2?±?6.3?years old) suspected to have acute cerebral infarction were treated at the spoke hospitals via this system, three of whom received intravenous rt‐PA administration by a general physician under telestroke support. If these patients would have been sent via ground ambulance to the nearby stroke center, it would have taken approximately 48?min more to administer rt‐PA. Conclusion Establishment of a telestroke support system for general physicians in areas without a nearby stroke center was useful for promptly performing rt‐PA therapy. Telemedicine device. We used iPad mini installed with a thin client viewer system and the video call system, which allowed specialists in the “hub” hospital to review computed tomography images, assess the patient, and make recommendations face‐to‐face in real time.