Atrium Health Floyd Using Tools to Help Patients

ROME, Ga., Jan. 19, 2023 – Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is now using patient-centered technology to better diagnose and monitor those who have suffered a stroke.

RapidAI can help reduce the time it takes to receive treatment and improve outcomes for stroke patients. CT perfusion is an additional imaging tool that can determine if the patient has a blockage and can help determine how much brain tissue in the area is salvageable.

The same technology is available at Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center and will soon be included at the stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County.

“Time is vital when it comes to stroke treatment,” said Bre Merrell, stroke coordinator of the hospital’s Stroke Center of Excellence. “The quicker strokes can be diagnosed and treated, the better it is for the patient.”

With these Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared tools, Floyd’s stroke team now can detect suspected brain bleeds and blood vessel blockages more quickly and effectively.

“RapidAI and CT Perfusion are a game changer,” said Ches Ely, director of Imaging Services for Atrium Health Floyd. “We can get accurate results communicated to the Stroke Care Team faster and even with other facilities, improving patient outcomes.”

Imaging results can be shared through a mobile app, allowing Floyd’s stroke team to quickly collaborate on the next steps for patient treatment.

​ Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is a Certified Primary Stroke Center and can begin treating people experiencing a stroke within an hour of their arrival, preserving brain cells and increasing the opportunity for recovery and survival.

The hospital has an acute stroke team available 24/7 that can be at the bedside within 15 minutes and can administer clot busting medication.