Remote-controlled CT to speed stroke thrombolysis in rural areas
Official title: Remote Controlled CT Scanning for Decentralized Diagnostics and Treatment Versus Standard Care in Acute Stroke
Run by University Hospital of North Norway · NCT07530588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether remote-controlled CT scans with live audio–video guidance from a hospital stroke team can shorten time to intravenous thrombolysis for people with suspected acute ischemic stroke in rural Northern Norway.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital of North Norway Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sandnessjøen and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07530588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults in the participating Northern Norway catchment areas who present with suspected stroke within 24 hours of symptom onset and arrive at a participating decentralized medical center or hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who present too late for thrombolysis (particularly beyond the 4.5-hour therapeutic window), those found to have intracranial hemorrhage or other contraindications, or people living outside the study catchment areas are unlikely to benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial deploys stationary CT scanners at decentralized medical centers and links them to an experienced hospital stroke team via real-time audio and video conferencing for remote imaging and decision support. Patients with suspected stroke presenting within 24 hours in participating catchment areas are managed in the decentralized model or the standard care pathway and compared on time-to-treatment, treatment access, safety, and outcomes. The intervention focuses on enabling rapid head CT and tele-stroke interpretation to exclude hemorrhage and initiate intravenous thrombolysis when appropriate. Investigators will also assess feasibility, logistics, and whether this model reduces treatment delays and improves access in sparsely populated regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could deliver thrombolysis faster to rural patients and improve recovery while reducing geographic disparities in acute stroke care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous tele-stroke programs and mobile stroke units with onboard CT have shortened treatment delays, though implementing stationary remote-controlled CT at decentralized rural centers is a relatively novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Patients in the catchments areas of the intervention and control group presenting with a clinical suspected diagnosis of stroke within symptom onset within the last 24 hours Exclusion Criteria: \- Patients presenting with a clinical suspected diagnosis of stroke more than 24 hours after symptom onset
Where it's running
-
Helgelandssykehuset Health Trust
Sandnessjøen, Norway Recruiting -
University Hospital of North Norway Health Trust
Tromsø, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Agnethe Eltoft, MD, PhD
- Email: agnethe.eltoft@unn.no
- Phone: +4797193417
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.