Hyper Acute Phase

In the hyperacute phase the focus should be on recanalisation. Every second that the patient’s brain is starved of nutrients and oxygen, the risk of disability and mortality is increased. Any activity that does not relate to recanalisation should not delay treatment in this phase. The same time pressure applies to haemorrhagic strokes.
 
There are 4 keys that have been shown to reduce the time to recanalisation, these include: pre-notification, taking the patient directly to the CT, treat the patient at the CT, and make use of point of care testing. The tools in this section are aimed at assisting you to achieve this in your hospital.