CT, MRI Perfusions use Rapid AI to analyze brain blood flow
Key takeaways:
- CT, MRI perfusion now offered at OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center
- CT, MRI perfusion analyzes blood flow to the brain
- Medical team uses Rapid AI to give clinician immediate information
- Available 24/7 in OSF Little Company of Mary emergency department
New technology, partnered with artificial intelligence (AI), is helping patients in the Chicago area who may be at risk of stroke.
OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park now has CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) perfusion capabilities, which are advanced imaging techniques that look at a patient’s blood flow to the brain.
Rapid AI helps neurovascular and vascular medical teams reduce time to treatment and improve patient outcomes. The artificial intelligence processes the images and gives clinical information to the clinician immediately, so the provider can more quickly decide the best course of treatment for the patient.
Tracy Jendruczek, the vice president of surgical and procedural services with OSF Little Company of Mary, says the addition of CT and MRI perfusions at the hospital is beneficial for the community.
“It’s available 24/7 for any patient that comes in through the emergency department,” Jendruczek says.
Who is eligible for CT Perfusion?
“Patients that might be at risk for stroke or are showing signs or symptoms of having a stroke, would be eligible for a CT perfusion of the brain. This looks at the blood flow to different areas of the brain,” Jendruczek says.
Who is eligible for MRI Perfusion?
“Patients that are eligible may be showing signs or symptoms of a tumor or have had a previously diagnosed tumor of the brain,” Jendruczek adds. “MRI perfusion, like CT, allows us to look at blood flow of the brain, but it’s specific for tumors. It’s looking at the severity and type of tumor.”
What’s the ultimate goal?
The ultimate goal of CT and MRI Perfusions is to expedite treatment for stroke patients.
“The perfusion capabilities will allow us to see the different areas of blood flow so we can quickly determine if a patient is eligible for further treatment. If we’re able to provide that treatment here at OSF Little Company of Mary, we will immediately start treating the patient,” Jendruczek says. “If not, we can more quickly transfer the patient to a place they can receive appropriate treatment.”