Determining the Need for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers Based on Travel Time to the Nearest Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Background: In January 2018 The Joint Commission introduced its Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) certification program to recognize hospitals capable of performing endovascular thrombectomy for patients with ischemic strokes due to large vessel occlusions, intended for hospitals not in close geographic proximity to Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs). This study was conducted to determine (1) the travel times between current and potential TSCs and the nearest CSC and (2) the proportion of TSCs that were in areas of high need.

Methods: The locations of current and applicant TSCs (N = 44) were mapped and paired with the closest CSCs.