Optimization of the stroke hospital selection strategy and the distribution of endovascular thrombectomy resources

Nowadays, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) decide to send a suspected stroke patient to a primary stroke center (PSC) or to an endovascular thrombectomy (EVT)-capable hospital, based on the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) and the number of symptoms a patient presents at the scene. Based on existing studies, the patient is likely to have a better functional outcome after three months if the time between the onset of symptoms and receiving EVT treatment is shorter. However, if an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patient with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is first sent to a PSC, and then needs to be transferred to an EVT-capable hospital, the time to get definitive treatment is significantly increased. For this purpose, We formulate an integer programming model to minimize the expected time to receive a definitive treatment for stroke patients. We then use real-world data to verify the validity of the model. Also, we expand our model to find the optimal redistribution and centralization of EVT resources. It will enable therapeutic teams to increase their experience and skills more efficiently within a short period of time.