Abstract MP24: Pitfalls of Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit - A Single Center Review

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mangala Gopal ◽  
Ciaran Powers ◽  
Shahid M Nimjee ◽  
Sharon Heaton ◽  
Vivien Lee
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Treatment Unit ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Suspected Stroke ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Introduction: Although Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTU) can reduce time to intravenous thrombolysis (IVtPA), limitations in MSTU care have not been well described. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients transported by MSTU to our academic comprehensive stroke center (CSC) from May 2019 to August 2020 for suspected stroke to assess for potential limitations of care. The Columbus MSTU is owned by a separate health system, but represents a collaborative venture with 3 CSCs and the Columbus Division of Fire, operating daily from 7am-7pm. Data was abstracted on demographics, clinical presentation, last known normal (LKN) time, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neuroimaging, and IVtPA administration. Results: Among 93 patients transported to our CSC by MSTU, the mean age was 65 years (range, 21-93) and 61 (66%) were female. The mean initial NIHSS was 7.1 (range, 0 to 33) and 52 (55.9%) had a final diagnosis of stroke (4 hemorrhagic, 48 ischemic). IVtPA was administered in 15 (16.1%) with a mean LKN to IVtPA time of 120 minutes (range, 41 to 243). Among 15 patients treated with IVtPA, 10 received IVtPA in MSTU and 5 in CSC ED. In 7 patients who underwent thrombectomy, mean door to groin time was 57 minutes (range, 28 to 88). Among the overall group, 9 (9.7%) cases were identified with limitations in MSTU care, including 2 patients who received IVtPA by MSTU that were more than 10% off from ideal dosing (underdosed by 9mg and overdosed by 21mg), 1 warfarin-associated hemorrhage requiring intubation who did not receive reversal in MSTU but did upon arrival to CSC ED, and 5 patients who received IVtPA after arrival to CSC ED. The reasons for withholding IVtPA included inability to confirm LKN, patient declination, lack of translator, incorrect LKN, and seizure requiring intubation. The LKN to IVtPA time was significantly longer in the ED compared to MSTU (197 vs 82 minutes, p <0.0001). Conclusion: In our series of suspected stroke patients evaluated by MSTU, gaps identified within MSTU acute stroke care were related to limitations of resources and included errors in weight-based IVtPA dosing, inability to administer IVtPA, or reversal for anti-coagulation related hemorrhage. Clinicians need to be aware of potential pitfalls of MSTU evaluation.

scholarly journals Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute stroke reperfusion therapy: data from the Lyon Stroke Center Network

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile PLUMEREAU ◽  
Tae-Hee CHO ◽  
Marielle BUISSON ◽  
Camille AMAZ ◽  
Matteo CAPPUCCI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Reperfusion Therapy ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Emergency Medical Dispatch ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic would have particularly affected acute stroke care. However, its impact is clearly inherent to the local stroke network conditions. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on acute stroke care in the Lyon comprehensive stroke center during this period.MethodsWe conducted a prospective data collection of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) during the COVID-19 period (from 29/02/2020 to 10/05/2020) and a control period (from 29/02/2019 to 10/05/2019). The volume of reperfusion therapies and pre and intra-hospital delays were compared during both periods.ResultsA total of 208 patients were included. The volume of IVT significantly decreased during the COVID-period (55 (54.5%) vs 74 (69.2%); p=0.03) and was mainly due to time delay among patients treated with MT. The volume of MT remains stable over the two periods (72 (71.3%) vs 65 (60.8%); p=0.14) but the door-to-groin puncture time increased in patients transferred for MT (237 [187-339] vs 210 [163-260]; p<0.01). The daily number of Emergency Medical Dispatch calls considerably increased (1502 [1133-2238] vs 1023 [960-1410]; p<0.01).ConclusionsOur study showed a decrease of the volume of IVT, whereas the volume of MT remained stable although intra-hospital delays increased for transferred patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results contrast in part with the national surveys and suggest that the impact of the pandemic may depend on local stroke care networks.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Prehospital Evaluation, and Presentation of Ischemic Stroke at a Nonurban Comprehensive Stroke Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Cesar Velasco ◽  
Brandon Wattai ◽  
Scott Buchle ◽  
Alicia Richardson ◽  
Varun Padmanaban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Many reports have described a decrease in the numbers of patients seeking medical attention for typical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These reports primarily relate to urban areas with widespread community transmission. The impact of COVID-19 on nonurban areas with minimal community transmission is less well understood. Methods. Using a prospectively maintained prehospital quality improvement database, we reviewed our hospital EMS transports with a diagnosis of stroke from January to April 2019 (baseline) and January to April 2020 (pandemic). We compared the volume of patients, transport/presentation times, severity of presenting symptoms, and final diagnosis. Results. In January, February, March, and April 2019, 10, 11, 17, and 19 patients, respectively, were transported in comparison to 19, 14, 10, and 8 during the same months in 2020. From January through April 2019, there was a 53% increase in transports, compared to a 42% decrease during the same months in 2020, constituting significantly different trend-line slopes (3.30; 95% CI 0.48–6.12 versus -3.70; 95% CI -5.76–-1.64, p = 0.001 ). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and symptom severity were mostly similar over the two time periods, and the number of patients with a final diagnosis of stroke was also similar. However, the median interval from EMS dispatch to ED arrival for patients with a final diagnosis of stroke was significantly longer in January to April 2020 ( 50 ± 11.7   min ) compared to the same time period in 2019 ( 42 ± 8.2   min , p = 0.01 ). Discussion/Conclusion. Our data indicate a decrease in patient transport volumes and longer intervals to EMS activation for suspected stroke care. These results suggest that even in a nonurban location without widespread community transmission, patients may be delaying or avoiding care for severe illnesses such as stroke. Clinicians and public health officials should not ignore the potential impact of pandemic-like illnesses even in areas of relatively low disease prevalence.

Abstract TP289: Code Neuro-Intervention a New Necessity: Reality of Shifting Stroke Care Paradigm

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Suhan ◽  
Spozhmy Panezai ◽  
Jaskiran Brar ◽  
Audrey Z Arango ◽  
Anna Pullicino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Care ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Angiography Suite ◽  
Stroke Team ◽  
Cross Training ◽  
Code Process ◽  
Time Parameters ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background: Various strategies have been implemented to reduce acute stroke treatment times. A unique code process pathway was designed at our hospital specifically to be activated by the stroke team for the purpose of rapidly assembling the Neurointerventional team. Methods: Code Neurointervention (NI), was designed and tested from January 2014 to April 2014 for all the patients who presented with ischemic strokes to our community based, university affiliated comprehensive stroke center. We retrospectively analyzed all patients who had Code NI called from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015 and compared them to patients who underwent acute endovascular treatment the prior year (Non Code NI). The following parameters were compared: decision to recanalization and door to recanalization times. Further analysis was done to compare patients presenting during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) and off hours using GraphPad QuickCalcs Web site. Results: There were 28 Code NI; 14 were called during work hours and 14 during off hours. The previous year 25 patients underwent acute endovascular intervention; 12 during work hours and 13 during off hours. Mean decision to recanalization time was 106 (Code NI) vs 115 minutes (Non Code NI) (p<0.0.6) during work hours and 154 (Code NI) vs 139 minutes (Non Code NI) (p<0.37) during off hours. Mean door to recanalization time was 169 (Code NI) vs 173 minutes (Non Code NI) (p<0.85) during work hours and 252 (Code NI) vs 243minutes (Non Code NI) (p< 0.75) during off hours. Subset analysis of time parameters for patients in Code NI group showed mean decision to recanalization times of 106 minutes during work hours vs 154 minutes off work hours (p<0.004). Mean door to recanalization times were 169 minutes vs 251 minutes (p<0.0003), respectively. Conclusion: Institution of Code NI significantly improved intervention time parameters during work hours as compared to off hours. Rapid assembly of the neurointervention team, rapid availability of imaging and angiography suite likely contribute to these differences. Further initiatives, such as improving neurointervention staff availability during off hours or cross training other staff can further improve acute intervention time parameters.

scholarly journals Could The “Modified 8 D’s of Stroke Care” Improve Sex Disparities in Door-to-Needle Time in Acute Ischemic Stroke?

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meilka Jameie ◽  
Mana Jameie ◽  
Ghasem Farahmand ◽  
Saba Ilkhani ◽  
Hana Magrouni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sex Disparities ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Modified Algorithm ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background and objectiveDoor-to-needle (DTN) time is an important factor in stroke settings for which studies have reported delays in women, resulting in worse stroke outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether our modified algorithm could reduce sex disparities, especially in DTN.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study was conducted between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2021, at a comprehensive stroke center. Previously we utilized the conventional “D’s of stoke care” for timely management. The “modified 8 D’s of stroke care” was designed by our team in September 2020. Patients were analyzed in two groups: group 1, before, and group 2, after employing the modified algorithm. Sex as the main variable of interest along with other selected covariates were regressed towards the DTN, using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsWe enrolled 47 and 56 patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Although there was a significant difference in DTN≤ 1 hour in group 1 (36% of females vs. 52% of males, p= 0.019), it was not significantly different in group 2 anymore (48% of females vs. 48.4% of males, p= 0.97). Furthermore, regression analysis showed being female was a significant predictor of DTN> 1 hour in group 1 (aOR= 6.65, p= 0.02), while after the modified algorithm gender was not a predictor of delayed DTN anymore.ConclusionAlthough we have a long way to achieve performance measures in developed countries, we seem to have succeeded in reducing gender disparities in DTN using the modified algorithm.

Abstract 31: The Frequency of Thrombectomy in Early and Late Post-Onset Time Windows Among EMS Transported Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nichole E Bosson ◽  
Jeffrey L Saver ◽  
Patrick D Lyden ◽  
Marianne Gausche-Hill ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Post Onset

Introduction: With recent trials demonstrating benefit to thrombectomy up to 16 or 24 hours (h) from last known well time (LKWT), EMS systems must consider stroke center routing for patients with LKWT ≤24h. Increased transport times can strain resources and may be unnecessary if few patients receive the intended therapy. We sought to determine the frequency of thrombectomy by prehospital-determined LKWT (p-LKWT) in a large regional acute stroke care system. Methods: In January 2018 Los Angeles (LA) County EMS initiated two-tiered routing within its regional system of 50 approved stroke center (ASC) serving 10 million persons. Patients with suspected stroke with p-LKWT ≤24h are routed to ASCs. Patients with potential LVOs (LA Motor Scale (LAMS) of 4 or 5) are routed directly to a designated thrombectomy-capable center (TSC or comprehensive stroke center (CSC)) if within 30 minutes; others are routed to the closest ASC. We abstracted adult EMS transports to a TSC or CSC from January 2018 to March 2019 with final diagnosis of AIS. We excluded transfers and patients without documented LKWT. We determined the frequency of thrombectomy by time intervals from p-LKWT to first medical contact (FMC). Results: During the study period, 1317 AIS patients with p-LKWT ≤24h were transported to a TSC or CSC; 360 (27.1%) received endovascular thrombectomy. Patients were 47% male, median age 77 years (IQR 66-86), median NIHSS 11 (IQR 4-19), and median p-LKWT-to-FMC time interval 69 minutes (IQR 22-360). The table shows the frequency of thrombectomy by p-LKWT-FMC time intervals. Respectively, the ≤6h, >6 to ≤16h, and >16 to ≤24h windows accounted for 76.8%, 18.3%, and 4.9% of transports to thrombectomy-capable centers. Conclusion: With two-tier routing in this regional stroke system, patients in the >6h post-onset window accounted for nearly one quarter of transports to TSCs and CSCs and 22% received thrombectomy. These findings support EMS stroke routing policies up to 24h post-onset.

Abstract WP248: Methods to Achieving a 9-minute Door to TPA Time

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak S Nair ◽  
Arun Talkad ◽  
Clayton McNeil ◽  
Jan Jahnel ◽  
Teresa Swanson-Devlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
National Average ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
The Past ◽  
Stroke Center

Introduction Despite guidelines recommending “door to needle times” (DTN) of ≤60 minutes and the Target: Stroke program, the national average for stroke treatment is 79 minutes. We present the factors that have reduced DTN in our Stroke Center. Methods We retrospectively identified all patients who received IV rt-PA using our acute stroke code database, from 2007 to 2012. The patients were organized by their DTN into four groups: <20min, 20-39min, 40-59min, and ≥60min. Median NIHSS scores were calculated, along with median DTN per group and annually. We also specified median lab times, the source of the stroke code (EMS or ED), and time of day for the code. Results There were 180 patients that received IV rt-PA: 7 patients in <20min, 49 in 20-39min, 52 in 40-59min, and 72 in ≥60min. Median DTN was 14min, 30min, 46.5min, and 76min, respectively, with the overall fastest DTN being 9 minutes. Median NIHSS scores were 7, 12, 13, and 8, respectively. EMS initiated the code in 100% of the <20min cases, 45% in 20-39min, 44% in 40-59min, and 40% in ≥60min. Eighty-six percent of the <20min cases arrived during the day, as did 84% of the 20-39min, 65% of the 40-59min, and 42% of the ≥60min cases. When rt-PA was given before labs were resulted, the median DTN was 30min; otherwise, the median DTN was 54min. All cases with <20min DTN presented after May 2011, when the first such case occurred. The median DTN was 65.5min in 2007, 51min in 2008, 61min in 2009, 59.5min in 2010, 47min in 2011, and 35min in 2012. Conclusions Our experience suggests that the “Target: Stroke” strategies (EMS initiation of stroke codes, rapid triage, rt-PA before labs) can significantly reduce the time to thrombolysis. However, our significant improvement over the past two years followed a singular 13-minute DTN, which demonstrated that teamwork and passion for acute stroke care can catalyze the consistent delivery of efficient stroke treatment.

Abstract WP430: Implementation of Inpatient Stroke Champions Leads to Improved Inpatient Code Stroke Metrics

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine V Lapsys ◽  
Jasmine Rochelle B Belmonte ◽  
Nathalie De La Pena-Gamboa ◽  
Raeesa Dhanji ◽  
Regina I Cuenca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Care ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Specific Symptom ◽  
Delayed Treatment ◽  
Symptom Recognition ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Inpatient Nursing ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Introduction: Stroke Champions (SC) are AHA recommended designated inpatient nurses that serve as expert resources for their units to ensure that evidence-based practices for stroke care are implemented. Inpatient Code Strokes (ICS) are difficult to recognize which results in delayed treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine if there was an improvement in inpatient acute stroke metrics with the addition of SC in the hospital. Methods: Over a 12-month period at a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), 12 nurses in the inpatient stroke units were trained as SC. This training consisted of advanced education in CSC metrics, guidelines and required documentation. SC provided peer-to-peer education, served as expert resources, conducted comprehensive chart reviews, shift huddles, and “on the spot” feedback to nurses and physicians. The metrics were examined pre and post intervention and included: Symptom Recognition Time (SRT) to CT interpretation, SRT to tPA bolus time, and SRT to groin puncture. SRT is equivalent to Emergency Department door time for inpatient strokes. Statistical analysis was performed using T-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: There were 114 pre-SC and 101 post-SC ICS. There was a trend toward more patients being accurately diagnosed with a TIA or stroke (75.3% post vs. 65.8% pre-SC; p=0.06). The SRT to CT interpretation time for patients who received tPA improved from 43 to 35 mins. The number of patients treated with tPA increased from 10 to 17. SRT to tPA bolus time trended toward improvement from 57 to 42 mins (p=0.07). SRT to groin puncture time in patients who received both tPA and thrombectomy trended toward improvement from 81 vs. 65 mins (p=0.07). There were twice as many inpatient thrombectomy cases in post-SC (n=23) vs. pre-SC (n=12). Conclusion: The knowledge and expertise provided by SC resulted in a higher percentage of ICS having a final diagnosis of stroke. This demonstrates an increased accuracy of stroke specific symptom recognition by the inpatient nursing teams. There was improved SRT to tPA bolus and groin puncture time. This is the only study that shows implementation of the AHA recommended SC program improves inpatient code stroke recognition and treatment metrics.

Delayed Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Minor Stroke

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joonsang Yoo ◽  
Sung-Il Sohn ◽  
Jinkwon Kim ◽  
Seong Hwan Ahn ◽  
Kijeong Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Delayed Treatment ◽  
Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Stroke Group ◽  
Suspected Stroke ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background: The actions and responses of the hospital personnel during acute stroke care in the emergency department (ED) may differ according to the severity of a patient’s stroke symptoms. We investigated whether the time from arrival at ED to various care steps differed between patients with minor and non-minor stroke who were treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA). Methods: We included consecutive patients who received IV tPA during a 1.5 year-period in 5 hospitals. Minor stroke was defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score < 5. We compared various intervals from arrival at the ED to treatment between patients with minor stroke and those with non-minor stroke (NIHSS score ≥5). Delayed treatment was defined as a door-to-needle time > 40 min. Results: During the study period, 356 patients received IV tPA treatment. The median door-to-needle time was significantly longer in the minor stroke group than it was in the non-minor stroke group (43 min [interquartile range [IQR] 35.5–55.5] vs. 37 min [IQR 30–46], p < 0.001). The minor stroke group had a significantly longer door-to-notification time (7 min [IQR 4.5–12] vs. 5 min [IQR 3–8], p < 0.001) and door-to-imaging time (20 min [IQR 15–26.5] vs. 16 min [IQR 11–21], p < 0.001) than did the non-minor stroke group. However, the imaging-to-needle time was not different between the groups. Multivariable analyses revealed that minor stroke was associated with delayed treatment (OR 2.54 [95% CI 1.52–4.30], p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that the door-to-needle time was longer in patients with minor stroke than it was in those with non-minor stroke, mainly owing to delayed action in the initial steps of neurology notification and imaging. Our findings suggest that some quality improvement initiatives are necessary for patients with suspected stroke with minor symptoms.

The impact of tele-neurologists on acute stroke care at an advanced primary stroke centre

2020 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2092103
Author(s):  
Scott Gutovitz ◽  
Jonathan Leggett ◽  
Leslie Hart ◽  
Samuel M Leaman ◽  
Heather James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Care Guidelines ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stroke Centre

Introduction We evaluated the impact of tele-neurologists on the time to initiating acute stroke care versus traditional bedside neurologists at an advanced stroke center. Methods This observational study evaluated time to treatment for acute stroke patients at a single hospital, certified as an advanced primary stroke centre, with thrombectomy capabilities. Consecutive stroke alert patients between 1 March, 2016 and 31 March, 2018 were divided into two groups based on their neurology consultation service (bedside neurology: 1 March, 2016–28 February, 2017; tele-neurology: 1 April, 2017–31 March, 2018). Door-to-tPA time and door-to-IR time for mechanical thrombectomy were compared between the two groups. Results Nine hundred and fifty-nine stroke patients met the inclusion criteria (436 bedside neurology, 523 tele-neurology patients). There were no significant differences in sex, age, or stroke final diagnosis between groups ( p > 0.05). 85 bedside neurology patients received tPA and 35 had mechanical thrombectomy, 84 and 44 for the tele-neurology group respectively. Door-to-tPA time (median (IQR)) was significantly higher among tele-neurology (64 min (51.5–83.5)) than bedside neurology patients (45 min (34–69); p < 0.0001). There was no difference in door-to-IR times (mean ± SD) between bedside neurology (87.2 ± 33.3 min) and tele-neurology (90.4 ± 33.4 min; p = 0.67). Discussion At this facility, our tele-neurology services vendor was associated with a statistically significant delay in tPA administration compared with bedside neurologists. There was no difference in door-to-IR times. Delays in tPA administration make it harder to meet acute stroke care guidelines and could worsen patient outcomes.

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