Telemedicine for Safe and Extended Use of Thrombolysis in Stroke

Abstract

Background and Purpose— Systemic thrombolysis represents the only proven therapy for acute ischemic stroke, but safe treatment is reported only in established stroke units. One major goal of the ongoing Telemedic Pilot Project for Integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS) in Bavaria is to extend the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment in nonurban areas through telemedic support. Methods— The stroke centers in Munich-Harlaching and in Regensburg established a telestroke network to provide consultations for 12 local hospitals in eastern Bavaria. The telemedic system consists of a digital network that includes a 2-way video conference system and CT/MRI image transfer with a high-speed data transmission up to 2 Mb/s. Each network hospital established specialized stroke wards in which qualified teams treat acute stroke patients. Physicians in these hospitals are able to contact the stroke centers 24 hours per day. Results— A total of 106 systemic thrombolyses were indicated via teleconsultations between...