NeuroNews’ first top 10 of the year kicks off with exclusive interviews on two novel concepts with the potential to transform the neurovascular space—a ‘two-in-one’ approach to surgical drainage and embolisation for subdural haematoma, and a fully reversible thrombolytic drug candidate for ischaemic stroke. Among our other major stories from last month are a study indicating carotid stenting results when the procedure is performed by neurointerventionists; an American Heart Association advisory summarising all of the randomised trials evaluating mechanical thrombectomy in large-core stroke to date; and a piece of research elucidating the relationship between procedural volume and thrombectomy outcomes.
1. Combined embolisation-drainage approach could be “transformational” next step in endovascular cSDH treatment
Against the backdrop of recent successes with middle meningeal artery embolisation (MMMAe) in chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) treatment, Luis Savastano (San Francisco, USA) and his colleagues have been working to develop a novel technology that could enable embolisation and surgical drainage to be completed via a fully endovascular, ‘two-in-one’ approach. With initial findings on the technology set to be disclosed at this year’s ISC (5–7 February, Los Angeles, USA), Savastano speaks to NeuroNews alongside Pedro Lylyk (Buenos Aires, Argentina)—who performed the first-ever minimally invasive surgeries incorporating this novel approach in human patients—to discuss the “quantum leap” it could represent in cSDH care.
2. Carotid stenting performed by trained neurointerventionists linked to lower complication rates versus prior literature
A retrospective study has indicated that carotid artery stenting (CAS)—when performed by fellowship‐trained neurointerventional physicians in comprehensive stroke centre (CSC) settings—was associated with a lower complication rate as compared to prior literature on CAS, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transcarotid artery revascularisation (TCAR).
3. Abbott, Medtronic announce major CE-mark approvals for deep brain stimulation technologies
Abbott and Medtronic—two leading players in the neuromodulation space—have both announced significant CE-mark approvals relating to their respective deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies.
4. AHA advisory: Recent clinical data “reframe” role of EVT in large-core stroke
A new scientific advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA)—published recently in the journal Stroke—has reviewed clinical data from six randomised controlled trials evaluating endovascular therapy (EVT) in the treatment of ischaemic strokes caused by large-core infarctions, and ultimately concludes that these data “reframe” the role for reperfusion therapies in this patient population.
5. Imperative secures US FDA 510(k) clearance of Zoom system for stroke treatment
Imperative Care has announced the receipt of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance of the company’s Zoom system, making it the first comprehensive stroke thrombectomy system to include large-bore 0.088-inch catheters indicated for both access and aspiration when used with a Zoom catheter.
6. Large database study finds no difference in outcomes between three carotid shunting strategies
A new Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) data analysis, recently published in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES), has found no statistically significant differences between three carotid endarterectomy (CEA) shunting strategies regarding in-hospital stroke and death rate, including in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion or recent stroke.
7. Reversible thrombolytic could alleviate US “tribalism” around tPA and help redefine stroke treatment
Following Basking Biosciences’ recent announcement that the first acute ischaemic stroke patients have received its novel thrombolytic therapy as part of the Phase 2 RAISE clinical trial, NeuroNews speaks to the company’s co-founder and chief medical officer—Ohio State University neurosurgeon Shahid Nimjee (Columbus, USA)—to find out what this milestone could mean for the future of stroke care.
8. Kaneka announces acquisition of Endostream Medical
Kaneka Corporation has announced that—on 23 December 2024—it acquired 96.8% of shares in Israeli medical equipment company Endostream Medical.
9. Procedural volume “not a reliable indicator” of stroke thrombectomy outcomes
According to new research led by the University of Missouri School of Medicine (Columbia, USA), the number of mechanical thrombectomies performed at a hospital is not an accurate indicator of patient outcomes. Using data from nearly 1,000 centres, researchers found that patients undergoing thrombectomies at smaller, rural hospitals did not have less favourable outcomes—in terms of functional independence rates—than patients treated in large healthcare systems.
10. Cerevasc announces first enrolment in STRIDE trial evaluating eShunt system for normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Cerevasc has announced the first enrolment of a patient in the STRIDE clinical trial evaluating the company’s eShunt system in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
