Using AI to speed up transfers for stroke patients needing thrombectomy

Accelerating Referral for Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients Using an Artificial Intelligence-based Software

Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · NCT06741332

This study tests if using an AI tool can help speed up the transfer of stroke patients to hospitals that can provide a special treatment called thrombectomy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (other)
Locations2 sites (Granollers, Barcelona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06741332 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Methinks Stroke Suite, an artificial intelligence-based imaging software, in reducing the time it takes to transfer acute stroke patients from local centers to specialized thrombectomy-capable hospitals. The study focuses on patients who are initially assessed at local stroke centers that cannot perform endovascular therapy. Researchers will compare the AI-assisted workflow to historical data to determine if it improves decision-making and treatment times for patients requiring thrombectomy. The trial also aims to assess the accuracy of the AI in identifying candidates for endovascular therapy and monitor overall workflow efficiency.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are suspected of having an acute stroke and can be evaluated within 24 hours of their last known well time.

Not a fit: Patients in a coma or those requiring immediate life support care may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the time to treatment for stroke patients, potentially improving outcomes and recovery rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in medical imaging is gaining traction, this specific application for stroke transfer decisions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Suspected acute stroke patients
2. \>18 years with no upper age limit
3. Included \< 24 h since last seen well
4. Non-contrast CT is available at the local stroke center
5. Image has been processed by Methinks Stroke Suite
6. Informed consent obtained from a patient or his or her legally designated representative (if locally required).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients in a coma (NIHSS item of consciousness \>1)
2. Patients with unstable clinical status who require emergent life support care
3. Subject imaging does not meet Image Acquisition and DICOM Tag Requirements

Where this trial is running

Granollers, Barcelona and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Stroke Acute, Ischemic Stroke, Acute, Thrombectomy, Ischemic Stroke, Acute stroke, mDIDO, Artificial Intelligence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.