More Dubbo victims of acute ischaemic stroke are being spared permanent disability.
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Software installed on Dubbo hospital's CT scanner is proving their saviour.
It allows stroke and radiology teams to identify brain tissue irreversibly damaged by a blood cot in a major blood vessel but also brain tissue that can be preserved through removal of the clot and restoration of normal blood flow.
Clinicians in Dubbo and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) can examine images simultaneously.
Stroke victims deemed suitable for clot removal are transported by helicopter to RPAH for further examination and surgery.
The software dubbed RAPID was introduced into the Western NSW Local Health District's (WNSWLHD) major hospitals in October 2018.
By early November the WNSWLHD reported of six patients from Dubbo being sent to RPAH compared to two across 2017.
The Bathurst radiographer who has overseen the rollout of RAPID has been invited to speak at the biennial Nordic Congress of Radiology in Copenhagen during May.
In Dubbo this week, Peter Traise told of "some pretty good successes so far".
Stroke victims who in the past might have been permanently disabled were still able to get to the shops and visit their grandchildren "because they have been taken to Sydney and had their treatment", he said.
The radiographer said while many patients did not have a full recovery, they got "very, very close to it".
Mr Traise said the procedure to remove the clot was "very difficult" and carried a "number of risks".
He said it made sense to send stroke victims to RPAH where the surgery was performed day-in-day-out.
"Eventually, one day, we can get things happening out here but that's a big step," Mr Traise said.
New facilities were a stepping stone to a growth in services, he said.
Mr Traise, who has worked at the Odense University Hospital in Denmark, said the treatment of acute stroke was pioneered in Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland.
His presentation to the congress will focus on the establishment and incorporation of the RAPID system into WNSWLHD acute stroke management.
The radiographer said RAPID was "pretty unique" in Australia and called the current working relationship between different health districts "a bit of a first as well".
WNSWLHD general manager of medical imaging Steve Adams joined Mr Traise in Dubbo.
"This is a fantastic opportunity not only for Peter but it also showcases the WNSWLHD and the world-class care our staff are providing to patients in Western NSW," Mr Adams said.