A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to serious, often life-changing consequences, including paralysis, difficulty speaking and cognitive challenges. Every moment counts in treating a stroke, and rapid intervention can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability.
One advanced treatment for certain types of strokes is mechanical thrombectomy. This procedure involves physically removing a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain. Using specialised equipment, clinicians thread a catheter through blood vessels to reach and remove the clot, restoring blood flow. Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective procedure, but its success often depends on timely decision-making and the collaboration of a skilled medical team.
Mechanical thrombectomy requires skilled clinical expertise and technology. Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (HIOTV) is collaborating with a company called Medical iSight on a government-backed research grant. This research seeks to develop and evaluate software tools that can enhance the effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of stroke. Some of the things that will be looked at are:
- The development of real-time 3D image analysis
- The development of tools to simulate the procedure to assist planning pre-procedure
- Introducing and testing the use of an Augmented Reality (AR) headset.
This research grant seeks to bring together patients with lived experience of stroke and clinical staff to help identify barriers, facilitate better communication and promote mutual understanding in the high-pressure context of stroke treatment. By engaging those directly impacted – patients and clinicians – this initiative aims to create tools and strategies that ensure decisions about stroke care are collaborative, informed and centred on the best outcomes for patients.
HIOTV’s Community Involvement and Workforce Innovation team is leading the public and patient engagement part of the grant.
This evidence summary explores the relationship between stroke and health inequalities, bringing together current research on who is most at risk, how people access care, and their experiences and outcomes following a stroke. The review highlights significant disparities affecting groups including people living in deprivation, women, and Black and Asian communities, while also identifying important gaps in the evidence for many underserved populations. The findings will help inform future work to improve equity in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
Workshop report
Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley worked with people who have lived experience of stroke, alongside carers, to explore views on an innovative augmented reality (AR) technology designed to support clinicians performing mechanical thrombectomy procedures. The workshop focused on understanding what information patients and families need to make informed decisions and trust new technologies used in stroke care.
Participants highlighted the challenges of providing consent during a medical emergency and stressed the importance of clear, simple and compassionate communication. They emphasised the need for transparency about risks, benefits and data use, and provided valuable feedback on patient information materials. The insights gathered will help shape future consent processes and support the safe, patient-centred development of AR technology in stroke care.