It is affectionately called the ‘swimming cap’ at the Amsterdam UMC: a mobile examination device that is placed on the heads of people suspected of having a stroke in the ambulance, like a swimming cap. A brain film can be made immediately and the right care can be provided quickly. “The swimming cap can ultimately save lives,” says neurologist Jonathan Coutinho.
In recent years, the special hat with electrodes was tested in twelve ambulances. The results are very positive according to the hospital. The time that can be saved by being able to make a brain film (EEG) in the ambulance can be crucial.
In the study by the Amsterdam UMC, data from four hundred patients was collected. Coutinho conducted the research together with clinical technologist Wouter Potters and professor of artificial intelligence Henk Marquering: “It shows that the swimming cap can recognize patients with a large cerebral infarction with great accuracy. This is very good news, because the swimming cap can ultimately save lives.” by taking patients directly to the right hospital.”
“With a cerebral infarction, every minute counts.”
According to the Amsterdam UMC, 54 percent of patients with a major stroke end up in the ‘wrong’ hospital. These patients must be moved again to another hospital before they receive proper care.
“With a cerebral infarction, every minute counts,” the neurologist explains. “The sooner we start the right treatment, the better the outcome. If the diagnosis is clear in the ambulance, the patient can be driven directly to the right hospital, which saves valuable time.”
Small or large infarction
According to the researchers, the measurements of the swimming cap can be used to distinguish, among other things, whether it is a large or small blood vessel occlusion. In the case of a small infarction, a patient is given a blood thinner. In the case of a large infarction, a clot must be removed in a specialized hospital. In North Holland these are the Amsterdam UMC (AMC location) and the Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep (Alkmaar location).
The swimming cap does not yet have the required medical quality mark to be used in all ambulances. The device is still used for the research in ambulances of Ambulance Amsterdam and Witte Kruis ambulance care. Thanks to a grant from the Heart Foundation, a follow-up study will be conducted early next year in which the swimming cap will also be tested at ambulance stations in the Haarlem and Maastricht region.
‘Measure through the hair’
“Adjustments still need to be made before the swimming cap is completely suitable,” says Coutinho. “We have to ensure that it can measure through the hair in all circumstances, but that is not always possible at the moment. Furthermore, it must be smaller and lighter and more intuitive to use.”
The researchers hope that the swimming cap will become standard equipment in ambulances in about two years.
What exactly is a stroke?
In the event of a stroke (CVA: Cerebro Vascular Accident), the brain has no blood supply due to a blockage of one or more vessels or a rupture of a blood vessel. About 80% of patients have an infarction, about 20% have a hemorrhage. It can cause permanent damage such as partial paralysis and speech problems and a stroke can also be fatal.
Every year, around 40,000 people in the Netherlands are admitted to hospital with a stroke. About half will suffer a serious disability or die as a result.
Source: The Brain Foundation/Brain Injury Patient Association
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