Not all artificial intelligence (AI) is created equal.

Such is the conclusion drawn from a new trial showing RapidAI’s clinically deep algorithms more accurately detect medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) than to Viz.ai. 

The study, titled “AI Detection of Medium Vessel Occlusions: Evaluating Performance of RapidAI vs. Viz.ai CT Perfusion in 1,591 Consecutive Code Strokes,” analyzed 1,591 consecutive stroke cases at a comprehensive stroke center. Of the 1,122 eligible cases, RapidAI detected 93% (109) of MeVOs using CT Perfusion alone, compared to 70% (82) by Viz.ai. 

“CT Perfusion is a powerful tool, but its full value is only realized when paired with high-performing software, especially in complex cases with smaller occlusions like MeVOs,” said Harmeet Sachdev, M.D., lead study investigator and neurologist. “RapidAI consistently identified more occlusions than Viz in this study, echoing what we saw in the DUEL study with large vessel occlusions. The story the data tells is clear: not all imaging tools are equally equipped to interpret complex stroke cases.”

MeVOs refer to occlusions in smaller, yet still crucial, arteries in the brain, such as the M2/M3 segments of the middle cerebral artery or the A1/A2 and P1/P2 segments of the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. These blockages can cause severe damage if left untreated but are notoriously difficult to identify without high-performing imaging tools. The substantial number of MeVOs missed by the Viz.ai software could lead to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The accuracy of Rapid CT and MR perfusion imaging for estimating core and penumbra has been extensively validated in the landmark clinical trials of DEFUSE 2, SWIFT PRIME, EXTEND-IA, and DEFUSE 3.  RapidAI is the only software demonstrated to predict the subsequent infarct volume based on initial perfusion imaging, according to the company. In addition, RapidAI is the only perfusion software with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration indication for selecting patients for mechanical thrombectomy.

“These real-world clinical findings validate what sets RapidAI apart. Deeper clinical algorithms that not only detect more but empower providers with greater clarity and confidence,” RapidAI Chief Business Officer David Stoffel, M.D., stated. “Accurate perfusion imaging is essential for identifying subtle but serious strokes. Without it, critical cases can go unrecognized, delaying treatment when every minute counts.

RapidAI develops AI-driven medical imaging analysis and coordinated care. With its validated clinical AI platform, the company empowers care teams to rapidly, precisely, and confidently manage life-threatening conditions. Trusted by thousands of hospitals in more than 100 countries, RapidAI delivers a deep level of clinical decision support to help accelerate treatment time and enhance patient outcomes.