Discover the MSU-8 Mobile Stroke Unit Revolutionizing Care

The collaboration of Siriraj Stroke Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Siemens Healthineers, and RMA Automotive
With SOMATOM On.site CT Scanner and teleconsultation system , The MSU-8 Mobile Stroke Unit offers high-quality brain imaging and seamless patient information transfer
The latest Mobile Stroke Unit will serve as a benchmark for stroke management in the region

Bangkok, December 17, 2024 – Siriraj Stroke Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, has partnered with Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Siemens Healthineers, and RMA Automotive to develop the state-of-the-art MSU-8 Mobile Stroke Unit. Designed to enhance the early diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke cases before hospital admission, this initiative aims to significantly reduce patient disability and mortality rates. The MSU-8 is equipped with SOMATOM On.site CT scanner, offering high-quality brain imaging with the precision of a hospital-based system. This portable system is integrated into a specially designed vehicle that accommodates the scanner’s weight and motion dynamics. Additionally, the unit features a reliable teleconsultation system, enabling seamless communication between the on-site medical team and hospital specialists. Beyond serving patients in Thailand, the MSU-8 is poised to set a benchmark for mobile stroke treatment across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering innovation in stroke management.

Associate Professor Yongchai Nilanont, President of Siriraj Stroke Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, stated that “Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region. In 2023, according to a report from the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand recorded 349,126 stroke cases, with a 10% mortality rate and 60% disability rate. The critical factors in reducing the risk of paralysis, disability, and death from acute stroke lies in timely treatment. The administration of thrombolytic drugs is effective only within a 4.5-hour window from the onset of symptoms. Recognizing this crucial time frame, Siriraj Stroke Center, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, and partners from public and private sector, launched the Mobile Stroke Unit, Stroke One Stop (MSU-SOS) project in 2018. This initiative involves the development of mobile stroke treatment vehicles in conjunction with a teleconsultation system for acute stroke care management, enabling access to timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

Mobile Stroke Units integrate an ambulance equipped with a head CT scanner, along with a medical team specialized in acute stroke care which enables head scans at a designated location for timely diagnosis. The integrated teleconsultation system allows hospital-based specialists to make immediate decisions on thrombolytic therapy. Additionally, contrast media can be administered onboard for vascular assessment, ensuring accurate preliminary diagnosis and treatment. This innovation significantly reduces disability and mortality rates associated with acute strokes.

By recognizing that acute stroke diagnosis and treatment on Mobile Stroke Units can achieve higher efficiency while reduce patient disability and mortality rates through rapid workflow management systems, high-quality and precise medical imaging technology, stable vehicles, and reliable teleconsultation systems, Siriraj Stroke Center and Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, have collaborated with Siemens Healthineers—a leader in medical imaging technology, and RMA Automotive—an expert in Mobile Stroke Unit production in the region, to develop the “MSU-8” Mobile Stroke Unit. This initiative builds upon ongoing research efforts to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke for patients in Thailand. The aim is to provide “A Life without Stroke”, aligning with the vision of the Siriraj Stroke Center and serving as a prototype for developing Mobile Stroke Units for other hospitals across the region.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pronchai Chanyagorn, Deputy Dean for Process Quality Development, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University added that “Enabling a stable teleconsultation system alongside high-quality, high-performance ambulances is a challenging and critical aspect in the development of Mobile Stroke Units. This ensures the efficient, seamless, and rapid transfer of patient information, diagnostic results, and pre-treatment evaluations between the medical team on the Mobile Stroke Unit and experts at the hospital.”

Mr. Chris Poray, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers Thailand further informed that “Siemens Healthineers, as a global leader in medical technology with over 120 years of expertise in medical imaging technology development for hospitals and medical centers worldwide, has recognized the critical urgency of acute stroke management. We have collaborated in the development of the MSU-8 Mobile Stroke Unit. The SOMATOM On.site CT Scanner, a mobile CT scanner with advanced technology that delivers high quality and reliable brain CT imaging CT comparable to hospital-based CT scanner systems, is installed in the latest MSU-8 for acute stroke diagnosis and treatment.

SOMATOM On.site is a 32-slice CT scanner designed for usage in acute mobile settings. It aids emergency teams with precise diagnostic capabilities and targeted treatment, ensures both high-resolution non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT imaging comparable to hospital-based CT scanner systems. Moreover, the AI-Powered Interface simplifies operational workflow, enabling operators to confidently use the machine while reducing errors with GO Technology. Automated Image Processing features like Recon&GO provide timely automated 3D imaging, image enhancements, and specialized parameter adjustments for faster decision-making. The system also includes automatic image transfers to the PACS, streamlining workflows and ensuring images are ready for immediate diagnosis. In terms of Radiation Safety, the first-of-its-kind telescopic gantry is designed to accommodate stroke patients by extending and retracting over a stationary trolley, allowing scanning without patient transfer. This innovative design minimizes scatter radiation for both patients and nearby personnel, ensuring safety in pre-hospital environments. Additionally, enhanced radiation shields at both the front and rear further reduce radiation exposure, providing an added layer of protection for all involved.

“The collaboration aims to develop CT scanners dedicated for use in Mobile Stroke Units—an innovative solution addressing the urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke patients. This partnership also provides an excellent opportunity for experts from all parties to exchange knowledge and expertise. The Siriraj Stroke Center offers in-depth insights into practical applications and clinical requirements, while Siemens Healthineers brings advanced technology and innovation to optimize CT scanners for this purpose. This collaboration not only enhances the efficiency of stroke treatment but also drives and broadens significant advancements pre-hospital care of acute stroke management in Thailand and worldwide. It aligns with our purpose to overcome the most threatening disease and pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.”

Mr. Stanley Chan Wai Zhong, General Manager, Group Product Development, RMA Automotive Co.,Ltd., stated that “RMA Automotive is a global leader in the automotive industry, specializing in fleet management, automotive manufacturing, and engineering consulting. With over 30 years of experience, RMA has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for automotive brands, equipment suppliers, and agencies. The company is also a renowned designer and manufacturer of ambulances, supporting various government and non-governmental organizations worldwide. RMA operates automotive manufacturing & modification plants in Thailand, Turkey, Dubai, South Africa and Australia, as well as vehicle assembly in Myanmar, Cambodia and Australia. Additionally, our subsidiary, Global Fleet Sales (GFS) provides fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, and agricultural vehicles to sectors such as aid & development, defense, and government, with options for base or modified vehicles and full logistics, aftersales support, and parts supply. Another subsidiary, Ford Global Fleet Sales (FGFS), is Ford’s direct sales partner and provides comprehensive fleet solutions across over 100 markets, leveraging Ford’s full product lineup to serve private companies and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

The development of the MSU-8 focused on designing a vehicle capable of supporting a heavy CT scanner, ensuring the structure and attachment points could withstand the weight and stresses involved. To achieve this, RMA used advanced engineering analysis, including Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to simulate the forces acting on the vehicle under compression standards (FMVSS 220). The design also adheres to international safety standards, including the BS EN 1789 standard for emergency medical vehicles, as well as local regulations from Thailand’s Emergency Medical Institute (EMS) and the Excise Department’s 2018 Royal Gazette announcement. The result is a high-performance Mobile Stroke Unit that meets the rigorous requirements for patient care in emergency situations. Through this project, RMA Automotive has further advanced its engineering capabilities and automotive technology, positioning itself as a leader in mobile medical solutions in Thailand and beyond.

For more information about the MSU-8 Mobile Stroke Unit and updates from the Siriraj Stroke Center, visit https://www.sirirajstrokecenter.org/ or call 02 414 1010.

Media Contact

Siriraj Stroke Center

Wilaiporn Boriboon

General Administrative Officer

+662 414 1010, +668 2553 8639; siriraj.strokecenter@gmail.com

Visit the Siriraj Stroke Center

Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol university

Wilaiporn Boriboon

General Administrative Officer

+662 889 2138, +668 2553 8639; engineering@mahidol.ac.th

Visit the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol university

Siemens Healthineers Thailand