Q-MeDIA

Q-MeDIA: multimodal image analysis for endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has become the treatment of choice for ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion. Yet even when the occluded vessel is successfully reopened, only about half of patients recover well. At the same time, access to the brain vessels can be difficult, and treatment is increasingly extended to more distal occlusions, making procedures more challenging.

During EVT, clinicians rely on 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for guidance and to assess treatment. Its projective, contrast-based nature lacks accurate anatomical information: vessels beyond the thrombus are invisible and overlapping vessels can hide the origin of the occlusion. Meanwhile, 3D imaging (non-contrast CT, CT angiography) acquired before the procedure is rarely used during it.

Q-MeDIA develops and evaluates advanced image analysis tools, including artificial intelligence, that bring this 3D information into the intervention: 3D-to-2D registration for multimodal image guidance, and automated quantitative DSA analysis to support decision making during treatment.

• Funding: Health~Holland
• Partners: Erasmus MC, Eindhoven University of Technology, Philips
• More information: BIGR project page