In The News | Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology

SVIN: Mission Thrombectomy News – February 12, 2025

Posted: 02/12/2025

SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program at the World Economic Forum: A Bold Step for Global Stroke Care

By Fredrick Echols, MD

The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology’s (SVIN) Mission Thrombectomy Program (MT) recently made a monumental appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This unprecedented engagement highlighted the program’s commitment to addressing one of the most critical global health challenges: equitable access to life-saving stroke care.

As stroke continues to be a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program is at the forefront of a movement to transform the stroke care ecosystem through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration. Participating in the World Economic Forum allows SVIN to showcase its mission on a global stage, rallying support from influential leaders across government, industry, and healthcare.

Why This Engagement Matters

Attending the World Economic Forum underscores the urgency of addressing disparities in access to stroke treatment. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT), a highly effective procedure for treating ischemic strokes, is drastically underutilized. Despite its potential to save lives and reduce disability, fewer than 3% of eligible stroke patients worldwide receive this life-saving procedure. This gap is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare infrastructure and resources remain significant barriers.

By engaging with global decision-makers at WEF, the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program is bringing attention to these disparities and advocating for systemic solutions. Access to mechanical thrombectomy has the potential to significantly improve stroke survival rates and reduce the economic burden of long-term disability, a message that resonates with WEF’s focus on sustainable health systems and global collaboration.

Global Implications for Stroke Care

The implications of SVIN’s presence at WEF are far-reaching:

Policy Advocacy: Raising awareness among global leaders can lead to policy changes that prioritize investments in stroke care infrastructure, workforce training, and telemedicine.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private sector innovators and philanthropists at WEF can drive advancements in technology, expand access to thrombectomy, and create scalable solutions for underserved regions.
Global Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders from over 100 countries positions SVIN to lead an international coalition dedicated to standardizing stroke care and reducing treatment inequities.

“The World Economic Forum provides an unparalleled platform to connect with leaders across sectors,” said Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti, Global Chair of the Mission Thrombectomy Program. “Our goal is to transform stroke care globally, and this requires not only awareness but also coordinated action to ensure that no patient, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, is left behind.”

A Unified Vision for Change

SVIN’s engagement at WEF highlights the program’s innovative approach to creating sustainable solutions. A central component of the Mission Thrombectomy Program’s strategy is leveraging telemedicine and digital health platforms to expand training and access to thrombectomy. Through its Teleobservership Program, SVIN connects clinicians from underserved areas with global experts to accelerate knowledge transfer and build capacity.

“The fight against stroke requires a united, global effort,” said Dr. Shashvat Desai, a member of the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Core Executive Committee. “By engaging with global stakeholders at the World Economic Forum, we can address disparities in stroke care and bring groundbreaking innovations to those who need them most. This is not just about healthcare—it’s about equity, dignity, and the right to access life-saving treatment.”

Dr. Ashutosh Jadhav, also a member of the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Core Executive Committee, emphasized the role of technology in advancing stroke care: “Technology and innovation will play a key role in democratizing access to thrombectomy. By integrating artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and mobile stroke units, we can expand treatment options and ensure that geography is no longer a barrier to care. Our discussions at the World Economic Forum are vital in shaping a future where these solutions become a reality.”

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

SVIN’s participation at the World Economic Forum marks a pivotal moment for the Mission Thrombectomy Program and the broader stroke care ecosystem. By elevating the conversation about stroke treatment disparities to the global stage, SVIN is paving the way for transformative action. The program’s focus on advocacy, collaboration, and innovation underscores the importance of investing in healthcare solutions that prioritize equity and sustainability.

As the Mission Thrombectomy Program continues to expand its reach, the hope is that its work will inspire a new era of global stroke care—one where every patient has access to the life-saving interventions they deserve.

For more information about the SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program and its initiatives visit www.missionthrombectomy.org, and follow us on social media: