What this indicator shows
TS7 describes the use of advanced imaging for patients with ischaemic stroke across the thrombectomy network. It focuses on whether appropriate advanced imaging is performed at the first imaging visit, based on the patient’s time of arrival relative to stroke onset.
This indicator provides a system-level view of how consistently advanced imaging is used to support thrombectomy decision-making.
Included
- All patients admitted with ischaemic stroke within the thrombectomy network.
- Patients receiving advanced imaging at the first imaging visit, according to onset category.
Excluded
- Patients with haemorrhagic stroke.
- Imaging performed after the first imaging visit.
- Admissions outside the thrombectomy network.
Related dataset question: 1.13, 2.4, 2.11.0a
How TS7 is defined
TS7 is defined as the proportion of ischaemic stroke patients who receive appropriate advanced imaging at first imaging, according to their onset category.
The indicator includes the following groups:
- Patients arriving within 12 hours of onset who receive CT angiography (CTA) at first imaging.
- Patients with unknown onset, wake-up stroke, or arrival more than 12 hours after onset who receive CT perfusion (CTP) at first imaging.
- Numerator
The total number of ischaemic stroke patients meeting one of the above advanced imaging criteria at first imaging. - Denominator
All recorded ischaemic stroke admissions within the network.
How to interpret this indicator
- Higher values indicate more consistent use of advanced imaging aligned with thrombectomy assessment pathways.
- Lower values indicate that advanced imaging is used less frequently at first imaging.
- TS7 reflects system-wide imaging practice, rather than performance of individual clinicians or sites.
Important considerations
- TS7 focuses on imaging performed at the first imaging visit only.
- Differences between systems may reflect local imaging protocols, scanner availability, staffing, and pathway design.
- This indicator should be interpreted alongside access and timeliness measures within the Thrombectomy System Score.