Significant updates from key industry players including Microvention (now Terumo Neuro), Stryker and Johnson & Johnson MedTech Neurovascular dominate the list of NeuroNews’ most popular stories from September. A new study investigating tiny ‘magnetic robot armies’ as a means for treating brain aneurysms—perhaps unsurprisingly—also drew the attention of many of our readers, as did a guest piece on the burgeoning field of paediatric interventional neuroradiology (INR).
1. Microvention officially rebrands to Terumo Neuro, reflecting “expanded focus and strategic growth”
Microvention, a wholly owned subsidiary of Terumo Corporation, has announced its official rebranding to Terumo Neuro. This name change signifies a new chapter in the company’s evolution while maintaining its unwavering commitment to the creation and commercialisation of groundbreaking innovations in neurovascular care, as stated in a press release.
2. Stryker completes acquisition of Nico Corporation
Stryker has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Nico Corporation—a company attempting to provide a systematic approach to minimally invasive surgery for tumour and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) procedures.
3. Tiny ‘magnetic robot armies’ could be used to treat aneurysmal brain bleeds
Researchers have created nanoscale robots that could be used to manage bleeds in the brain caused by aneurysms, potentially enabling a more precise and relatively low-risk treatment approach. A study published recently in the journal Small “points to a future where tiny robots could be remotely controlled to carry out complex tasks inside the human body” in a minimally invasive way, according to the researchers.
4. EShunt system receives US FDA Breakthrough Device designation for hydrocephalus treatment
Cerevasc has announced that it has received Breakthrough Device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its eShunt system, which is intended for the treatment of normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
5. Sim&Cure and Siemens Healthineers partner to advance brain aneurysm treatment
Sim&Cure and Siemens Healthineers have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing patient care and advancing brain aneurysm treatment. A recent press release from the two companies notes that “immediate medical intervention is crucial for ruptured aneurysms”, while “proactive management of unruptured aneurysms can prevent future health crises”.
6. Flow diverters “particularly effective” but also associated with “non-negligible” complication rate in distal ACA aneurysms
An analysis presented at this year’s European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) congress (4–6 September, Marseille, France) has indicated that flow diverters are “particularly effective” in the treatment of unruptured, distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms, while also highlighting the potential risk of ischaemic complications associated with this approach.
7. Cerenovus and Biosense Webster among brands newly incorporated into Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Johnson & Johnson recently shared that its medical technology businesses—including Cerenovus and Biosense Webster, as well as Abiomed, DePuy Synthes, and Ethicon—will now go by the name ‘Johnson & Johnson MedTech’, with Cerenovus specifically set to be referred to as Johnson & Johnson MedTech Neurovascular moving forward.
8. Toro Neurovascular announces first patient treatment in clinical trial of SuperBore aspiration catheter
Toro Neurovascular has announced the successful treatment of the first patient using its Toro 88 SuperBore aspiration catheter as part of a first-in-man clinical study. The procedure—performed by Nobuyuki Sakai and his staff at Seijinkai Shimizu Hospital in Kyoto, Japan—marks “a key milestone in Toro’s mission to transform stroke treatment through cutting-edge technology”, as stated in a company press release.
9. Frontiers in paediatric INR: addressing challenges and embracing opportunities
In a guest piece for NeuroNews, Carmen Parra-Fariñas (Toronto, Canada) discusses some of the key considerations that distinguish the growing, dedicated field of paediatric INR from the treatment of adult neurovascular disease patients.
10. VIDEO: New Q’Apel CEO says “innovation needs to bring value”
Following her recent appointment as Q’Apel Medical’s new chief executive officer (CEO), Jodie Fam sat down with NeuroNews to discuss the current landscape of the neurovascular device space. Speaking at the 2024 Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) annual meeting (22–26 July, Colorado Springs, USA), Fam highlighted the importance of “truly defining what innovation is”, and the fact that technical innovation needs to be substantiated by real-world, clinical value.
