Why Telestroke networks? Rationale, implementation and results of the Stroke Eastern Saxony Network

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of acquired long-term disability in Europe and North America. Intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with alteplase and organized inpatient (stroke unit) care have been shown to improve stroke patients' functional outcomes. However, stroke unit care is not area-wide available and thrombolysis rates are low, partly due to limited stroke thrombolysis expertise in smaller community hospitals. Telemedical stroke networks (Telestroke network) with remote video assessment of patients and brain computed tomography (CT) scans by stroke neurologists have been shown to increase IV thrombolysis rates and functional outcomes of patients in smaller community hospitals. Our article summarizes the rationale, clinical, and currently published scientific results of Telestroke networks with special respect to the telemedical Stroke Eastern Saxony Network (SOS-NET), which has been established by the Dresden University Stroke Center (DUSC) in July 2007. From July 2007 to December 2012, 3416 teleconsultations have been performed within the SOS-NET.