Decentralized Imaging by REmote Computer Tomography for Cerebral Infarct Thrombolysis

Summary

The DIRECT-CT trial is designed to test the hypothesis that remote controlled CT scanning combined with real time audio-and video conference (AVC) guided assessment from an experienced hospital stroke team (tele-stroke) at decentralized medical centers (DMC) reduces time to intravenous thrombolytic treatment compared to the standard pathway.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

Decentralized diagnostics and treatment

The intervention includes admittance to the DMC for initial diagnostic work up and acute treatment (if indicated). Paramedics examine the patient and assess stroke severity by NIHSS and G-FAST scoring overseen by a stroke physician at the local hospital through real time video conference. A remote controlled CT scan of the head is conducted, and the stroke team at the local hospital evaluates results and makes a treatment decision in real-time AVC. If treatment is indicated, this is administered by local personnel at the DMC before initiating transport to the local hospital or the comprehensive stroke center in case of LVO. Patients who are unable to reach the DMC prior to estimated admission time at their local hospital, will be treated at their local hospital as per standard pathway.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Helgelandssykehuset Hospital Trust

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Nordlandssykehuset Hospital Trust

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Finnmarkssykehuset HF

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• UiT The Arctic University of Norway

  collaborator OTHER

• Innlandet Central Hospital HF, Lillehammer

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Oslo University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Ringerike hospital HF, Hønefoss Norway

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital of North Norway

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Tor Ingebrigtsen, MD, PhD · University Hospital of North Norway

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-17

Primary Completion

2028-12-31

Completion

2028-12-31

Countries

• Norway

Study Locations