New Brain Stent Shows Promise for Stroke Treatment in India

A new brain treatment device, the Supernova Stent, has shown promising results in clinical trials for stroke patients. Conducted by experts at AIIMS Delhi, the study marks a significant advancement in stroke care, particularly in India. This ambitious trial, known as the GRASSROOT trial, is the first of its kind to focus on the effectiveness of the Supernova Stent in a multicentre format.

The preliminary results, shared by Dr. Shailesh B. Gaikwad, Professor and Head of the Department of Neuroimaging & Interventional Neuroradiology at AIIMS Delhi, indicate that the device is both safe and effective. “This trial is a turning point for stroke treatment in India,” he stated. The preliminary findings were published in the Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery, further validating the study’s impact.

In the trial, the Supernova stent retriever demonstrated a high success rate in restoring blood flow, with a brain bleed rate of just 3.1 percent and a mortality rate of 9.4 percent. Additionally, 50 percent of patients achieved functional independence within 90 days after treatment. These results are particularly noteworthy given the rising incidence of strokes among younger individuals in India, where the demographic differs from Western countries.

Developed by Gravity Medical Technology, the Supernova Stent aims to cater specifically to India’s diverse patient population. Earlier this year, the trial’s data received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), allowing for the stent’s routine use in India. The GRASSROOT trial was conducted across eight medical centres, confirming the device’s efficacy in treating life-threatening strokes.

The successful outcomes of this trial not only enhance stroke treatment in India but also align with the country’s Make-in-India initiative, positioning India as a notable player in advanced stroke care. Dr. Dileep Yavagal, a Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Miami, highlighted the broader implications of the device. “The device has already treated more than 300 patients in Southeast Asia and will now be manufactured and available in India at affordable prices, offering new hope to the 1.7 million Indians who suffer strokes each year,” he said.

The introduction of the Supernova Stent represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes for stroke patients in India. As more patients gain access to this innovative technology, it is anticipated that the overall treatment landscape for strokes in the country will improve dramatically.