Technological innovation aims to improve stroke care in the Netherlands

Efforts to enhance stroke care in the Netherlands are focusing on the integration of technology and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and reduce societal costs. With approximately 42,000 people experiencing a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) annually in the country, rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical, as an estimated 2 million brain cells are lost for every minute treatment is delayed.

In the field of medical technology education, students from the University of Twente are participating in internships at healthcare organizations like Saffier to bridge the gap between technical innovation and clinical practice. One notable project involved using 3D printing to develop specialized tools for CVA rehabilitation patients.

Currently, 71 centers in the Netherlands provide stroke care, with 18 centers equipped with the specialized teams and technology required to perform endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This procedure allows doctors to remove clots via the blood vessels to treat ischemic strokes.