In a “notable departure” from prior iterations of the conference, this year’s Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) annual meeting (16–18 November, Miami, USA) will place a “distinct emphasis” on innovation, focusing on the latest technologies within interventional neurosciences, as well as taking inclusivity “to a whole new level”.
Speaking to NeuroNews, Fawaz Al-Mufti (New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, New York, USA)—chair of the 2023 meeting—is quick to point out that innovation and inclusivity are elements the SVIN has always strived for, but will do so with a renewed focus when delegates arrive in southern Florida later this month.
“We are diving deep into the dynamic intersection of technology and techniques within interventional neurosciences,” he says. “This unique focus challenges conventional thinking, ignites imaginations, and ensures that attendees leave with a renewed sense of what is possible in the field.
“We are also proud to showcase the contributions of multiple disciplines within interventional neurosciences. Fresh perspectives from a new generation of talented physician-scientists and clinicians will infuse our discussions, enriching our collective understanding of the field. This year’s meeting is on track to be our largest to date, making it an even more expansive and diverse gathering of minds.”
‘SVINnovation without boundaries’
Revealing the thought process behind the slogan for SVIN 2023, ‘SVINnovation without boundaries’, Al-Mufti states it was “thoughtfully selected to emphasise our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation within our field”. He also highlights the importance of fresh and innovative content, setting SVIN apart from conferences with familiar, recurring themes, adding that “we wanted to break free from the norm, and focus on where we will be in the next five to 10 years”.
“Our mission is to explore the dynamic intersection of technology and techniques in the world of interventional neurology,” he continues. “We have curated a programme that goes beyond the present, daring to look into the future. Our speakers are visionaries who will challenge conventional thinking, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our field.
“Imagine a conference that feels like an episode of Black Mirror, where your perceptions are challenged, and your imagination is set on fire. SVIN 2023 is that conference.”
Another pop culture-themed aspect to the 2023 SVIN programme has been inspired by the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once, according to Al-Mufti: “Our goal this year was to be a truly global meeting that transcends geographical boundaries, and brings together the brightest minds from all corners of the globe, merging knowledge and insights from various conferences.”
Here, the meeting chair highlights the fact that SVIN attendees will have the opportunity to learn from representatives of the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA); the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN); the UK-based Barts Research and Advanced Interventional Neuroradiology (BRAIN) conference; the Middle East North Africa Stroke and Interventional Neurotherapies Organization (MENA-SINO); the Pan Arab Interventional Radiology Society (PAIRS) Neuro congress; and the international Neurocritical Care Society (NCS). Additional sessions will be delivered by leaders in multiple disciplines from across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Al-Mufti adds.
“Our hope is that SVIN 2023 becomes a truly inclusive global meeting where participants can tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of the world’s top conferences,” he also states. “We will showcase the latest breakthroughs, revolutionary technologies and visionary strategies that are reshaping the field of interventional neurosciences.”
“Much like the movie’s protagonist navigating multiple dimensions simultaneously,” Al-Mufti says, once again citing the 2022 Hollywood blockbuster, “SVIN seeks to push the boundaries of what is possible and foster collaborations that bridge the gaps between different neuroendovascular realms.”
Early previews
Quizzed about the possibility of any clinical data being delivered for the very first time in Miami, Al-Mufti highlights the following ‘late-breaking’ abstracts—set to be presented on the final day of SVIN 2023—as especially noteworthy:
- The first official presentation of results from the LASTE trial in North America
- MAGNA-T, which is a pooled analysis of all published clinical trials investigating mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of ischaemic strokes caused by large-core infarcts—including the recently presented TESLA study
- Findings from the SEGA trial assessing sedation versus general anaesthesia in acute ischaemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapy
- Safety and efficacy data from the observational, prospective, multicentre FIRST study, which is primarily evaluating the Silk Vista and Silka Vista Baby flow diverters (Balt)
- A subanalysis from the ENRICH trial involving the early, minimally invasive removal of intracranial haemorrhage
- Fresh insights from the ALLY pilot trial on the adjunctive use of intra-arterial tenecteplase following a thrombectomy
“Additionally,” Al-Mufti goes on, “there will be a groundbreaking first-in-human study announcement—although specific details on this remain under embargo. A lot to keep an eye out for at SVIN 2023!”
One area that the SVIN has placed particular emphasis on in recent years is Mission Thrombectomy, an initiative launched by the society in 2016 to boost access to stroke care across the globe. Just prior to this year’s annual meeting, on 15 November, Mission Thrombectomy will be co-hosting the Global Neurointerventional Coalition (GNIC) meeting, which Al-Mufti describes as a “multi-society collaboration that emphasises the development of best mechanical thrombectomy practice standards”.
“And, in the upcoming Mission Thrombectomy session at SVIN 2023, we have some exciting updates and discussions planned,” he adds. “We are thrilled to share a significant achievement: securing United Nations [UN] Economic and Social Council [ECOSOC] consultative status. This accomplishment is the result of years of dedicated teamwork led by SVIN’s Mission Thrombectomy. It represents a critical milestone in our mission to enhance global stroke care and enables us to advocate for the widespread adoption of mechanical thrombectomy worldwide.”
According to Al-Mufti, in-depth insights from the MT-GLASS study—first published in the journal Circulation earlier this year—will be presented at the meeting, as will details of SVIN’s newly formed partnership with the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia Care (G4) Alliance.
“Overall, the Mission Thrombectomy session promises to be an informative and impactful event, providing valuable updates, data and collaborations that will drive progress in the field of stroke care, and thrombectomy accessibility,” he notes.
Touching on what he sees as the most “thrilling” aspects throughout the rest of the programme, Al-Mufti points to the educational merit of the live and recorded cases set for SVIN 2023, adding that at least three such presentations are on the agenda, “enhancing the overall learning experience” for attendees.
“Unlike simply showcasing before-and-after images, live or recorded cases provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of a procedure and can significantly increase attendance to the industry symposia,” he explains. “Delegates are keen to understand details such as the applied load and the specific techniques employed during an intervention. This type of learning from each other is crucial, and I believe it was a significant element that was missing in previous conferences, but which industry partners are well-equipped to address.”
Before delivering a parting message ahead of this year’s meeting, Al-Mufti posits that he is “genuinely excited” about the ‘SVINnovation challenge’, whereby neurovascular innovators will vie for the support of a panel of esteemed judges in a Shark Tank-esque setting (perhaps more familiar to European audiences as a Dragons’ Den-style arrangement). He also gives a nod to the “fantastic” concept of sessions led by junior moderators, which he feels will encourage emerging figures to become more involved, contributing “fresh insights and perspectives” and stimulating “thought-provoking discussions” throughout the event.
“Overall, SVIN 2023 promises to be an event filled with innovation, collaboration, and engaging discussions,” Al-Mufti concludes. “These sessions and topics are just a glimpse of what is in store, but I believe they will be at the forefront of the most interesting and important debates during the conference.”
