Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, where every minute counts in determining a patient’s prognosis. With the maturation of Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) technology, timely intervention during the critical window has been proven to significantly improve patient recovery. However, the challenge of swiftly and accurately transferring stroke patients to medical centers equipped with specialized EVT physicians and the ability to provide immediate treatment has remained one of the most critical hurdles in acute stroke care.

To address this, National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) developed the EVT Transfer System (EVTTS), an acute stroke referral platform designed to eliminate delays and inefficiencies in the transfer process. This breakthrough technology is revolutionizing the treatment of stroke patients by significantly improving transfer efficiency and clinical outcomes.

Streamlined Transfers with Enhanced Patient Data Security

The EVTTS platform operates across multiple devices and was designed with both ease of use and information security in mind. Its core features include:

User-friendly Interface: Accessible via both computers and mobile devices, the system allows healthcare providers to complete the patient’s clinical data input in just two to three minutes. The process is simple and efficient, minimizing delays in initiating the transfer.

Real-Time Communication: The system automatically provides contact details for both the referring and receiving hospital’s decision-making physicians. This eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional phone communication, significantly reducing the time required for coordination and patient transfers.

Transparent Information Sharing: The platform consolidates all critical clinical information, including patient history, imaging results, and treatment records. Physicians can rapidly assess a patient’s condition based on comprehensive and accurate data, preventing errors or omissions that are common in traditional referral processes.

Data Security Compliance: Compared to commonly used communication apps like LINE, EVTTS adheres to strict information security standards. It ensures that patient medical data remains secure throughout the transfer process and complies fully with medical data protection regulations.

Efficient Regional Collaboration: Since its launch in 2021, EVTTS has been deployed across 19 hospitals in the Chianan region, including Tainan and Chiayi, forming an integrated stroke referral network. This collaboration has broken down barriers between hospitals, enabling patients to receive timely EVT treatment at qualified facilities.

Data from actual operations show that EVTTS has significantly shortened both transfer times and the interval from stroke onset to thrombectomy. It has also increased the execution rate of thrombectomy procedures, with a 33.6% improvement in favorable patient outcomes following treatment.

Dr. Pi-Shan Sung, Program Director: Future Plans and Impact on the Healthcare System

Dr. Pi-Shan Sung, who leads the project, stated that EVTTS is more than just an innovation in stroke patient transfer; it marks a milestone in improving healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. Dr. Sung emphasized that the system enables a faster and safer referral process, which is particularly crucial during the golden window for acute stroke treatment. Timely transfers to EVT-capable hospitals are key to improving patients’ chances of recovery.

Looking ahead, NCKUH plans to continue optimizing the EVTTS platform and expanding its use to other medical institutions across Taiwan. The team is actively collaborating with health authorities to collect local data on acute stroke treatment, providing valuable insights to support clinical decision-making. In addition, they aim to leverage AI technology to enhance diagnostic accuracy and predict treatment outcomes, addressing the increasing demand for acute stroke care. Dr. Sung hopes this successful experience can be shared globally, fostering international medical collaboration.

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