Bon Secours First in Virginia to Offer Artificial Intelligence Stroke Software

Bon Secours has partnered with Viz.ai, a healthcare startup, to become the first in Virginia to utilize artificial intelligence to help medical professionals spot early signs of stroke. This technology, now available at all Bon Secours facilities and freestanding emergency departments in Richmond, facilitates early access by synchronizing stroke care.

Early stroke detection is the key to treating and negating the impact of strokes, but they can be difficult to diagnose. Using a cloud-based artificial intelligence system, the technology alerts neurovascular specialists of a suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, enabling earlier imaging review and better collaboration between physicians. Through a mobile interface, care teams can liaise in real time to analyze scans and decide on the most suitable course of treatment.

“We are excited to be the first in Virginia to offer this new innovative technology that will help save time and brain in our most vulnerable stroke patients,” said David Loy, M.D., Ph.D., neurointerventional surgeon and co-medical director of Bon Secours Comprehensive Stroke Center.  “This groundbreaking artificial intelligence will transform the way Bon Secours delivers stroke care to our patients and our community, and we’re looking forward to seeing improved outcomes.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. Viz.ai’s technology can potentially save critical time in the triage, diagnosis and treatment of strokes. Combining groundbreaking applied artificial intelligence with seamless communication, Viz.ai's image analysis facilitates the fast and accurate triage of suspected LVOs in stroke patients and better collaboration between clinicians at comprehensive and referral hospitals.

“We are excited to partner with Bon Secours who has the foresight and commitment to provide cutting-edge applied artificial intelligent solutions to help transform healthcare to improve access to life-changing therapies for its community,” said Chris Mansi, M.D., neurosurgeon and co-founder/CEO of Viz.ai. “In this new era of Synchronized Care, Bon Secours will provide its community with access to its expertise throughout its entire stroke network.”

This technology is now available at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital, Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital, Bon Secours Short Pump Emergency Center and Bon Secours Westchester Emergency Center.