The long-anticipated findings from three randomised trials evaluating mechanical thrombectomy versus the standard of care in patients with distal- or medium-vessel occlusion (D/MeVO) strokes feature prominently among our 10 most popular stories from February—occupying two spots on the list. Additional highlights from the International Stroke Conference (ISC; 5–7 February, Los Angeles, USA) as well as notable industry announcements from the likes of Cerevasc, Vena Medical and Hyperfine were also viewed frequently by NeuroNews audiences last month.
1. ESCAPE-MeVO and DISCOUNT trials find no clinical benefit with thrombectomy in distal-occlusion stroke
Two randomised trials presented at ISC 2025 have indicated that mechanical thrombectomy treatments confer no advantages over the current standard of care for acute ischaemic strokes caused by D/MeVOs. Final analyses of the ESCAPE-MeVO study revealed that thrombectomy failed to produce an improvement in patients’ clinical outcomes, while the DISCOUNT study was halted early due to safety concerns and indications of futility with the procedure.
2. Cerevasc announces positive eShunt study results in elderly NPH patients
Cerevasc has today reported initial results from its pilot US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) clinical study of the eShunt system in the treatment of elderly patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
3. Vena Medical gains US FDA Breakthrough Device designation for MicroAngioscope device
Vena Medical has been granted Breakthrough Device designation from the US FDA for its MicroAngioscope, marking what the company describes as a “historic leap forward” in neurovascular care and stroke treatment.
4. Stroke thrombectomy safe but not found to reduce disability versus standard care in more distal occlusions
Removing a clot blocking a medium- or small-sized artery in the brain via a mechanical thrombectomy procedure proved to be a safe treatment for ischaemic stroke but did not lessen disability more than the current ‘best medical treatment’ alone—including clot-busting medication, if indicated—according to study findings presented as preliminary late-breaking science at ISC 2025.
5. ‘Chasing’ EVT with tenecteplase injection may lead to improved 90-day stroke outcomes
Removing a blood clot from a large brain artery via endovascular therapy (EVT), then injecting the clot-dissolving drug tenecteplase into the artery, has resulted in ischaemic stroke survivors being more likely to experience a better 90-day functional outcome when compared to those receiving standard clot removal, according to ANGEL-TNK study results presented as preliminary late-breaking science at ISC 2025.
6. Hyperfine reports growing evidence supporting use of Swoop system images in stroke diagnosis
Hyperfine has announced the presentation of two studies at ISC 2025 that provide evidence supporting the value of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) via its US FDA-cleared Swoop system in acute ischaemic stroke triage and diagnosis. Notably, this includes patient data in the ACTION PMR study, according to the company.
7. Minimally invasive surgery appears beneficial in deep and lobar intracranial haemorrhages
The MIND study—presented for the first time at ISC 2025—has revealed the potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery in patients with deep and lobar intracranial haemorrhages (ICHs). Analyses of the study demonstrated a “substantial” reduction in haemorrhage volumes that was not accompanied by excess periprocedural mortality or adverse event rates in either ICH location, as well as “pronounced” early clinical improvements as per more favourable functional outcomes with surgery versus medical management at 30 days.
8. Medtronic earns US FDA approval of “world’s first” adaptive DBS system for Parkinson’s
Medtronic has announced US FDA approval of its BrainSense adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) and the BrainSense electrode identifier.
9. Viz.ai, RapidAI announce latest positive findings on impact of AI-powered stroke solutions
Viz.ai and RapidAI—two leading companies developing AI-powered technologies intended to optimise stroke care—have separately announced positive study data on their AI solutions.
10. Terumo Neuro promotes fully integrated, comprehensive stroke portfolio at ISC 2025
Terumo Neuro has announced the showcasing of its comprehensive and streamlined portfolio of stroke solutions at booth number 522 at ISC 2025, in addition to hosting a symposium featuring its “much-anticipated” Sofia 88 technology.
