Advanced Brain Stent Shows Promise for Stroke Treatment in India

The Supernova Stent, an innovative brain treatment device, has shown significant promise for stroke patients, according to experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi. The institution led the first clinical trial, known as the GRASSROOT Trial, which assessed the stent’s safety and efficacy.

On December 13, 2023, Dr. Shailesh B. Gaikwad, a Professor and Head of the Department of Neuroimaging & Interventional Neuroradiology at AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the trial’s significance, stating, “This trial is a turning point for stroke treatment in India.” Preliminary results, published in the Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery, indicate that the Supernova stent has achieved excellent outcomes in treating severe strokes.

Trial Findings and Impact

The GRASSROOT trial is the first prospective multicentre thrombectomy trial, which involves the physical removal of a blood clot from a blocked artery. The Supernova stent retriever demonstrated a high success rate in restoring blood flow with a low incidence of brain bleed at 3.1 percent and a mortality rate of 9.4 percent. Notably, 50 percent of patients achieved functional independence within 90 days.

Developed by Gravity Medical Technology, the Supernova stent is tailored for the diverse patient population in India, where stroke incidents often affect younger individuals compared to Western countries. Earlier this year, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved the stent for routine use in India, marking a crucial milestone in stroke care.

The GRASSROOT trial was conducted across eight centers and confirmed the device’s safety and effectiveness in addressing life-threatening strokes. This development aligns with India’s Make-in-India initiative, positioning the country as a significant player in advanced stroke treatment.

Broader Implications for Stroke Care

Dr. Dileep Yavagal, a Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Miami, noted that the device has already been used to treat over 300 patients in Southeast Asia. With its upcoming manufacturing in India, the Supernova stent will be available at affordable prices, providing new hope to the approximately 1.7 million Indians who suffer strokes annually.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the introduction of the Supernova stent represents a significant advancement in stroke management, promising improved outcomes for patients and enhancing India’s capabilities in medical innovation.