Remote-controlled CT to speed stroke thrombolysis in rural areas
Remote Controlled CT Scanning for Decentralized Diagnostics and Treatment Versus Standard Care in Acute Stroke
NA · University Hospital of North Norway · NCT07530588
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital of North Norway (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sandnessjøen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07530588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Sandnessjøen and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Stroke, Rural, Prehospital diagnostics and treatment, Remote controlled computer tomography, Intravenous thrombolysis, District medical center