New data on stroke rehabilitation and chronic migraine therapy caught the eye of NeuroNews’ readers in October, as did notable discussions from industry-leading events including CX Aortic Vienna 2021 (5–7 October, broadcast) and the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM 2021; 18–21 August, San Diego, USA).
1. NeuroVasc announces enrolment of first patient in ENVI-SR mechanical thrombectomy system clinical trial
NeuroVasc Technologies has announced that the first patient has been treated in a pivotal randomised controlled trial (RCT) in China, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ENVI-SR mechanical thrombectomy system (ENVI-SR)—a stent retriever for the removal of blood clots in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.
2. Study indicates safety and efficacy of remote electrical neuromodulation in chronic migraine patients
Theranica has announced the publication of a new, peer-reviewed article in Pain Reports detailing a study assessing its novel, drug-free treatment option for chronic migraine. The prospective, multicentre, open-label trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of remote electrical neuromodulation (REN), provided using the company’s flagship product, Nerivio—a smartphone-controlled, prescribed wearable device for the acute treatment of migraine in chronic migraine patients.
3. Stroke study reveals optimal timing and intensity for arm and hand rehabilitation
A phase II, randomised clinical trial has found that the optimal period for intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke should begin 60 to 90 days after the event. The study, conducted by Georgetown University and MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (NRH) researchers, is titled “Critical period after stroke study (CPASS): a phase II clinical trial testing an optimal time for motor recovery after stroke in humans” and has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
4. Evasc Neurovascular announces new generation of eCLIPs bifurcation flow diverter
Evasc Neurovascular has announced the third generation of the eCLIPs device. The device is innovated for more effective treatment of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms, facilitating treatment for a wider range of aneurysms with shorter delivery times.
5. MindMaze partners with Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital to bring novel stroke rehab tool to UK patients
MindMaze Healthcare has announced the first UK partnership for its novel MindPod platform to target cognitive and motor restoration in stroke patients. This new partnership involves the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital (RBH), which is based in Aylesbury, UK.
6. North Carolina updates stroke triage and transport protocol
North Carolina has updated its emergency stroke care protocol—a move applauded by the Get Ahead of Stroke campaign. The protocol, which went into effect on 15 October 2021, will change the way first responders triage and transport severe stroke patients across the US state, and aims to reduce death and disability by improving timely access to treatment via minimally invasive mechanical thrombectomy procedures for these patients.
7. Phenox expands acute ischaemic stroke portfolio with global launch of pRESET 6-50 device
Phenox has added to its extensive technology portfolio with the introduction of the pRESET 6-50 mechanical thrombectomy device for the treatment of acute large vessel occlusive (LVO) stroke.
8. Physicians and industry alike urged to tackle multifactorial stroke risk following thoracic endovascular procedures
As evidence builds on the importance of reducing the risk of stroke by removing residual air prior to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedures, the onus will be on surgeons and device manufacturers to minimise this risk—as per a discussion at CX Aortic Vienna 2021. This session also focused on findings from the Stroke from thoracic endovascular procedures (STEP) study, and featured a first-to-podium presentation highlighting the benefits of carbon dioxide compared to standard saline flushing after TEVAR.
9. Study detects no difference in adverse outcomes from balloon dilatation strategy used during TCAR
Avoiding a strategy of post-stent balloon dilation during transcarotid artery revascularisation (TCAR) may be unnecessary—a “contradistinction” to results shown in conventional transfemoral carotid artery stenting, new research has shown.
10. Neuvotion secures more than US$1 million in seed funding to commercialise neurostimulation technologies
Neuvotion has announced that it has received more than US$1 million in seed funding. The Long Island Angel Network, an organised group of individual, Long Island-based angel investors, and the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, a nationally recognised rehabilitation leader, have provided the company with what is its first equity investment—a Neuvotion press release states.
