Supernova stroke stent: AIIMS Delhi has marked a major step forward in stroke care by completing India’s first dedicated clinical trial of an advanced brain stent-retriever designed to treat severe, life-threatening strokes.
The study, known as the GRASSROOT trial, evaluated the Supernova stent developed by Gravity Medical Technology and reported strong results on both safety and effectiveness, officials stated. The findings have been published in the Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery, part of the BMJ group.
Also Read | AIIMS study finds no link between COVID vaccination and sudden deaths in young adults
AIIMS Delhi served as the national coordinating centre and the leading enrolment site for the multi-centre trial, which was conducted across eight hospitals. Dr Shailesh B Gaikwad, professor and head of Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology at AIIMS and the national principal investigator, described the trial as a key moment for stroke treatment in the country.
Earlier this year, trial data was accepted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), following which the Supernova stent-retriever received approval for routine clinical use in India. AIIMS said this is the first stroke device in the country to be cleared on the basis of a domestic clinical trial, calling it a boost for the Make-in-India push and a signal that India can generate world-class clinical evidence at home.
Leaders involved in the project said the trial also helps lay a stronger foundation for future large-scale medical device studies in India. Doctors at AIIMS highlighted the contribution of patients and families who participated, saying their involvement can help speed up access to newer and more affordable treatments.
The Supernova device was developed keeping India’s patient needs in mind, with experts noting that strokes often occur at a younger age in India than in many Western countries. Officials associated with the project said the device has already been used in hundreds of patients in Southeast Asia and will now be manufactured and supplied in India, with a focus on broader availability and affordability.
