SVIN: Mission Thrombectomy News – March 12, 2025

Advancing Stroke Care: The SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program's Impact at the 2025 International Stroke Conference

By Fredrick Echols, MD

The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology's (SVIN) Mission Thrombectomy (MT) Program significantly contributed to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association 2025 International Stroke Conference (ISC), reinforcing its dedication to improving stroke care on a global scale. Key discussions led by Core Executive Committee members Dr. Dileep Yavagal and Dr. Kaiz Asif focused on the pressing burden of stroke nationally and internationally. They underscored the immediate need for structural and systemic changes to address persistent disparities in access to stroke treatment.

As a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, stroke care has notable accessibility gaps, particularly regarding critical interventions like mechanical thrombectomy. Dr. Yavagal and Dr. Asif highlighted the importance of coordinated, multi-sector approaches that prioritize accessibility, education, and innovation in managing stroke. As Vice Global Chair of the SVIN MT, Dr. Asif emphasized, "The work we do through SVIN MT not only advances treatment but also ensures these advancements benefit every patient, irrespective of geographic location or socioeconomic status."

During the conference, the MT Program reaffirmed its mission through foundational pillars: advocacy, education, global outreach, research, and capacity building. These pillars aim to expand access to mechanical thrombectomy and improve global stroke care networks.

Dr. Yavagal, Advisor Emeritus and immediate past Global Chair of the SVIN MT, stressed the necessity of an integrated approach, stating, "Bridging the stroke treatment gap necessitates unwavering advocacy, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to sustainable systems that support acute stroke care worldwide." By fostering partnerships and leveraging the expertise of its members, the SVIN MT Program continues to drive systemic improvements for both patients and healthcare providers globally.

A significant highlight of the conference was the program's collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA), which emphasized a united commitment to enhancing stroke care. This partnership reflects the need for a collective strategy to reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality sustainably.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti, Global Chair of the SVIN MT, articulated the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Working alongside AHA/ASA is essential for aligning our efforts to effect policy change, raise public awareness, and enhance the overall stroke care ecosystem." Dr. Asif said, "Our partnership with AHA/ASA and other global health organizations allows us to scale our initiatives effectively, ensuring that stroke care providers and stroke patients worldwide benefit from the latest advancements and best practices in mechanical thrombectomy and acute stroke care."

Beyond formal presentations, the SVIN MT Program took this conference as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with essential global stakeholders. Engaging with healthcare leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of improvements in stroke care. These interactions have laid the groundwork for future initiatives promoting equitable access to advanced stroke treatments.

The 2025 International Stroke Conference highlighted the urgent need to address disparities in stroke care while emphasizing sustained advocacy, innovation, and collaboration. The SVIN Mission Thrombectomy Program is steadfast in its mission to ensure that every stroke patient has timely and effective care.

By actively engaging with global partners and advocating for equitable healthcare policies, SVIN MT is shaping the future of stroke care and paving the way for innovative advancements that will benefit patients and their families for generations to come.

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