We are seeking clinical professionals involved in stroke care and mechanical thrombectomy to contribute to this research. Your insights will help shape future practice and improve patient outcomes. For more information contact Katie Lean: katie.lean@healthinnovationoxford.org
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to serious, often life-changing consequences, including paralysis, difficulty speaking and cognitive challenges. Every moment counts in treating a stroke, and rapid intervention can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability.
One advanced treatment for certain types of strokes is mechanical thrombectomy. This procedure involves physically removing a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain. Using specialised equipment, clinicians thread a catheter through blood vessels to reach and remove the clot, restoring blood flow. Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective procedure, but its success often depends on timely decision-making and the collaboration of a skilled medical team.
Mechanical thrombectomy requires skilled clinical expertise and technology. Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (HIOTV) is collaborating with a company called Medical iSight on a government-backed research grant. This research seeks to develop and evaluate software tools that can enhance the effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of stroke. Some of the things that will be looked at are:
- The development of real-time 3D image analysis
- The development of tools to simulate the procedure to assist planning pre-procedure
- Introducing and testing the use of an Augmented Reality (AR) headset.
This research grant seeks to bring together patients with lived experience of stroke and clinical staff to help identify barriers, facilitate better communication and promote mutual understanding in the high-pressure context of stroke treatment. By engaging those directly impacted – patients and clinicians – this initiative aims to create tools and strategies that ensure decisions about stroke care are collaborative, informed and centred on the best outcomes for patients.
HIOTV’s Community Involvement and Workforce Innovation team is leading the public and patient engagement part of the grant.