New industry partnerships, the potential for energy savings in neuromodulation and the contentious topic of vertebral artery stenting were among the top stories that piqued the interest of NeuroNews‘ readers in May.
1. Medtronic, Viz.ai partner to bring “lifesaving” AI platform for stroke to EMEA region
Medtronic and Viz.ai announced they are extending their successful US partnership to distribute Viz.ai’s “lifesaving” artificial intelligence (AI) software platform for stroke to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
2. Case report indicates 3D black blood vessel wall imaging can predict reperfusion therapy outcomes for DVO
The early findings from a case report have highlighted the potential held by 3D black blood vessel wall post-contrast imaging to predict the outcomes of reperfusion therapy for distal vessel occlusion (DVO)—although the report’s authors also state that a larger study will now be required to verify these early findings.
3. Study shows “major energy savings” can be achieved in spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain
The results of the HALO (High and low frequency options) study, which are published online in the scientific journal Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, indicate that “major energy savings” are possible in the administration of subperception spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to treat chronic pain.
4. rTMS found to be “well-accepted” for therapeutic use in psychiatric populations
Psychiatric populations perceive the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for mental health conditions to be beneficial, safe, and no more dangerous than conventional therapy options like medication—as indicated by a systematic review published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface.
5. First annual World Stroke Thrombectomy Day to be announced by SVIN MT2020+
The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ Initiative (MT2020+) announced plans to unveil the first annual World Stroke Thrombectomy Day at the Global MT Revolution Regional Conference.
6. Perfuze announces CE mark and treats first patients with Millipede 088 catheter
Neurovascular medical device company Perfuze announced that the first five acute ischaemic stroke patients have been treated with its Millipede 088 clot aspiration catheter—having received CE mark approval for the device in February 2021.
7. IpsiHand System: New device for facilitating stroke rehabilitation gains FDA approval
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorised marketing of a new device indicated for use in patients aged 18 and older undergoing stroke rehabilitation to facilitate muscle re-education, and for maintaining or increasing range of motion.
8. CX 2021: Stenting should be reserved for the extracranial vertebral arteries only
Stenting is something that, for now at least, should be considered in the extracranial vertebral arteries only—and not the intracranial arteries—for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis, as indicated by a majority vote from attendees at the Charing Cross (CX) 2021 Digital Edition (19–22 April, online).
9. Medtronic and Surgical Theater to provide first real-time AR platform for complex cranial procedures
Medtronic will partner with American health technology firm Surgical Theater to provide the first augmented reality (AR) platform for use in real time during complex cranial procedures. The partnership will see Medtronic’s StealthStation S8 surgical navigation system interfaced with Surgical Theater’s SyncAR technology.
10. Livestreamed procedures close distance between clinicians and trainees during pandemic
Phil Taussky outlines a simple yet effective livestreaming platform that holds benefits for neurosurgeons during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
