KIMS Hyderabad’s Rapid AI tech to improve diagnosis of brain stroke

Hyderabad: KIMS Hospitals in Hyderabad has announced that it will be incorporating Rapid AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology into its patient care. This plans to extend the cutting-edge development for treating ischemic patients and help them with the debilitating condition.

As per the hospital, Rapid AI takes advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans to the next level. The AI software analyses brain images, effectively distinguishing between two critical regions: the core, representing severely damaged brain tissue, and the penumbra, the area still at risk but salvageable. The result is clear visualisations of these regions, enabling medical professionals to make informed and precise treatment decisions.

Danger of ischemic strokes

Traditionally, thrombolytic agents, capable of dissolving clots responsible for ischemic strokes, were considered effective only within the first 4.5 hours following a stroke. Beyond this critical window, their effectiveness declined, sometimes even leading to adverse effects.

Recent advancements in research and technology, however, have made it possible to mechanically remove brain clots within the first 24 hours, provided the patient is carefully selected based on the assessment of already damaged brain tissue and the at-risk but still undamaged brain tissue.

Rapid AI overcomes traditional challenges

The traditional method of assessing the extent of brain damage relied on the naked eye’s interpretation of CT and MRI brain scans. This approach often proved imprecise, as stroke damage can affect scattered regions of the brain, making it challenging to gauge accurately.

To overcome this limitation, KIMS Hospitals has adopted the Rapid AI software, initially developed and tested in the United States. When integrated with MRI technology, this software effectively calculates the core and penumbra areas of the brain. The result is a comprehensive and precise assessment that empowers doctors to perform mechanical thrombectomy, efficiently removing blockages.

With the introduction of Rapid AI, KIMS Hospitals is planning to extend the ‘Golden Day’ treatment; a window of 24 hours which allows patients to seek care after a stroke.

The integration of Rapid AI enables local healthcare providers to transmit MRI images to KIMS Hospitals for expert evaluation and guidance, following a hub-and-spoke model. This eliminates the need for patient transfers and ensures prompt and accurate treatment, the hospital said.

Every year, around 200 out of every 1 lakh people in India suffer from strokes, translating to more than one stroke occurring every minute. With the extended treatment window provided by Rapid AI, there’s a remarkable opportunity for 30-40 per cent of stroke patients to experience improved outcomes and move toward full recovery.