'Innovative Medical Technology' AI for Stroke Triage Accelerates Treatment for Urgent Cases

2024-04-22

AI Utilization Reduces Stroke Treatment Start Time by Approximately 41%

Emerging as a Solution to Medical Disparities




Heuron, a medical AI startup focused on neurological disorders based in South Korea, has announced that its AI solution, Heuron StroCare Suite™, has recently been designated as an Innovative Medical Technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Heuron StroCare Suite™ has been recognized for its potential and safety, as well as its value in addressing healthcare disparities between hospitals.

 

The Innovative Medical Technology program, introduced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, is designed to promote the growth and utilization of promising technologies. The program assesses the safety, efficacy, and potential of technologies, granting clinical application approval for a specified period.

 

Heuron StroCare Suite™, recently designated as an Innovative Medical Technology, is an AI solution that uses Non-Contrast CT to assist in diagnosing and directing treatment for patients suspected of having hemorrhagic stroke, emergency large vessel occlusion, and early ischemic changes.

 

Diagnosing a stroke based solely on patient symptoms can be challenging. Particularly in cases of large vessel occlusion, visual interpretation of initial Non-Contrast CT scans can be difficult, often necessitating additional imaging tests such as Contrast-Enhanced CT or MRI. However, Heuron StroCare Suite™ offers a solution by providing rapid analysis of suspected large vessel occlusion and hemisphere location information using only Non-Contrast CT, potentially reducing the need for additional tests and significantly shortening treatment initiation times.

 

According to Heuron, an analysis of emergency room procedures for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion revealed that the use of the solution reduced the time from CT scanning to the start of treatment by approximately 40%. Specifically, without the solution, this process took an average of 26 minutes, whereas with the solution, it was reduced to about 15 minutes. Furthermore, the time from CT scanning to arrival in the thrombectomy operating room was shortened by about 27%, from approximately 174 minutes to around 127 minutes with the use of the solution.

 

The Innovative Medical Technology Committee's evaluation report noted, “Stroke is a severe condition with a high mortality rate, ranking fifth in Korea, and often results in permanent disability for survivors. The provision of suspected large vessel occlusion analysis through Non-Contrast CT imaging can potentially reduce the need for additional tests and decrease treatment times, thereby lessening the physical burden on patients and improving outcomes.”

 

Heuron StroCare Suite™ has been highly praised for its potential to improve workflow and treatment speed in emergency rooms that lack specialized neurologists or radiologists, thus addressing disparities in medical care across institutions.

 

Starting June 1, Heuron StroCare Suite™ will be available on a non-reimbursed basis for patients aged 19 and over with suspected acute stroke at general hospitals and tertiary hospitals that apply for the program. Following this period, the technology will undergo a formal assessment for official health insurance coverage.

 

Dr. Donghoon Shin, CEO of Heuron, stated, “We are proud that Heuron StroCare Suite™ will be widely used to facilitate rapid patient triage and treatment in clinical settings. During this period, we will focus on solidifying clinical evidence and conducting proactive research to ensure that the technology is officially included in health insurance coverage after two years. As both a CEO and physician, I am committed to making every effort toward this goal.”