Stroke? There's an app for that

CALGARY, Alberta, May 10 (UPI) -- Canadian doctors in Alberta are using iPhones and new software to diagnose and prescribe treatment for stroke victims in rural areas, a radiologist said.

The application was designed by Calgary Scientific Inc. and is called ResolutionMD Mobile, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

The software transmits three-dimensional images of the patient's brain from CT scans to neurologists and radiologists who direct treatment in the critical minutes after a stroke, radiology Professor Ross Mitchell told the broadcaster.

"They can cut into them, rotate it in 3-D, they can do all kinds of advanced visualizations and analysis, which may be critical to make the diagnosis," he said.

Mitchell said the software includes data encryption that protects the patient's identity and personal information.

The federal Health Canada agency approved the application's use last month. It can be streamed into iPhones, iPads and Android smart-phones and tablets, the CBC said.