In early 2025, SEHA healthcare system launched the UAE’s first AI-powered Tele-Stroke Hub through its flagship hospitals—STMC and Al Tawam Hospital—utilizing the LEO360® Medical AI Robot. The program delivered transformational outcomes, including a 90% reduction in time-to-neurologist evaluation, 80% decrease in inter-hospital transfers, and a marked improvement in stroke response and diagnostic accuracy. This case study presents the clinical execution, results, and scalability of the LEO360®-based stroke model and introduces a new standard for remote neurological care in the region.

Introduction

STMC and Al Tawam Hospital together manage nearly 430,000 patients annually. Despite their leading infrastructure, timely stroke specialist access—especially after hours—remained a critical gap. “Time is brain” and SEHA recognized the need for an always-available, AI-enhanced neurology response system. The answer was LEO360®: a physician-powered robotic solution with advanced imaging, real-time assessment capabilities, and seamless network integration.

Objective

• Deliver rapid neurologist access within 15 minutes for all suspected stroke patients
• Avoid unnecessary inter-hospital transfers
• Improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce misclassification of stroke mimics
• Optimize patient outcomes and enable real-time care decisions

Patient C:

A 36-year-old male presented to STMC with acute onset severe occipital headache, left arm numbness and weakness, vomiting, and blurred vision. The stroke code was activated at 10:14 PM. The neurologist remotely assessed the patient via LEO360® AI robot. Neurologic exam was notable for a mild hand drift but otherwise intact strength and function. NIHSS was 0. CT and CTA were unremarkable for hemorrhage or infarction. MRI confirmed no acute stroke, and the final diagnosis was a possible hemiplegic migraine versus TIA. An incidental azygos fissure was noted on chest CT. The patient was managed conservatively with aspirin, atorvastatin, and migraine medications. LEO360® enabled a rapid and accurate diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary intervention and enabling safe discharge with follow-up in the stroke clinic.

Patient D:

A 66-year-old male with a known history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia presented to STMC with sudden onset of left-sided weakness while in his car. Stroke code was activated at 06:38 PM. Upon arrival to the ED, the patient was awake, responsive, with intact speech and no facial droop. Coordination testing revealed left-sided overshoot, and pronator drift was present. NIHSS score was 4. The LEO360® AI robot enabled remote evaluation by a neurologist within 11 minutes. Imaging revealed a large arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the left frontal lobe, confirmed by MRA. No evidence of acute hemorrhage or infarction was found. The patient was admitted for stroke unit monitoring and further evaluation. Early identification of the AVM and appropriate triage through LEO360® prevented deterioration and avoided misdiagnosis, enabling targeted long-term management.

Patient E:

A 62-year-old male with no known past medical history, recently arrived from Bangladesh, was found confused in his room at 4 PM after last being seen normal at 10 AM. He had contacted a friend earlier in the day reporting dizziness. Upon arrival to the ED, he was confused, aphasic, and showed right facial droop with NIHSS score of 13. The stroke code was activated at 07:24 PM. Using the LEO360® AI robot, the neurologist performed an immediate remote evaluation. Imaging showed no acute hemorrhage or major vessel occlusion. The patient was managed as a large vessel stroke mimic or evolving event, with further observation and supportive care. LEO360® enabled rapid stroke assessment, timely exclusion of hemorrhagic stroke, and expedited admission to the stroke unit for continued monitoring and treatment.

Patient F:

A 48-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, non-compliant with medications, presented with left facial drift first noticed upon waking at 7 AM. He continued working despite the symptom, and later sought care at a clinic where he was found to be hypertensive (BP 190/100). He was referred to the emergency department. The stroke code was activated at 04:01 PM. The patient was alert, hemodynamically stable, and exhibited left facial drift with no limb weakness, aphasia, or visual field defects. CT head revealed a left frontal parafalcine focal hypodensity consistent with a likely lacunar infarct and suspected small partial filling defects of the superior sagittal sinus. Using the LEO360® AI robot, a neurologist remotely assessed the patient and confirmed a diagnosis of minor stroke. The patient was managed conservatively and admitted for observation and further secondary stroke prevention.

Clinical Outcome Impact

Strategic Value for Health Systems

• Scalable Model: Adaptable for Cardiology, Behavioral Health, ICU, and Outpatient Consults.
• Geographical Equity: Eliminates gaps between rural and urban neurological care.
• Economic Efficiency: Reduces costs from unnecessary transport and inpatient days.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for AI-Driven Stroke Excellence

The SEHA-LEO360® partnership sets a new gold standard for robotic stroke care. It proves that AI and robotics can not only support but amplify physician expertise in critical situations. This model is now replicable across the Middle East and globally.

“With LEO360®, every minute counts—and every minute saved saves lives.”

Authors:

Dr. Ali Hassan, Consultant Physician, Neurology Medical Clinic-MENUNC (Dep) Medical Affairs

Dr. Tiago Moreira, Consultant Neurologist

Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Elsayed Hassan, Consultant Neurologist

Dr. Ahmed Samir, Neurologist

Dr. Sidra Aurangzeb, Consultant Neurologist

Dr. Asmaa Sabbah, Consultant Neurologist

Dr. Thiagarajan Jaiganesh, Chair & Consultant Emergency Physician, STMC Hospital

Al Hamdi Obaid Ali Al Shamsi, Senior Manager – AI & Robotics, OneHealth

Bita Lyons, MBA-HLA, Executive Vice Chairman Digital Health AI & Robotics

Keyvan Zeynali, MBA, Global Business Director Digital Health AI & Robotics