Kolkata's CMRI participates in multicentric trial of Supernova stent retriever, aims to reduce stroke therapy cost

CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI was the only hospital in Eastern India that participated in the trial.

"We are confident from the success of the trial that we can probably reduce the cost of the therapy by 50 percent," Dr Deep Das, Professor of Neurology and Consultant Neurointerventionalist at CMRI, Kolkata, said during a press conference on Thursday.

“This pioneering trial marks a significant milestone as the first-ever multicenter study in India focused on validating a new stent retriever device, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in high-quality medical research and device validation,” he said.

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He said the trial initially focused on treating patients aged between 18 to 80 years.

"Now, once the trial has been successfully conducted, we can say that there is no age limit for people who can undertake the therapy," he said.

The stent retriever is designed to drastically reduce the cost of stroke intervention devices by more than 50%.

Developed with precision and advanced technology, the device ensures targeted treatment for Indian patients with large artery occlusions, maximising success rates while maintaining safety standards.

Dr Dileep Yavagal, Global Principal Investigator of the trial believes that as we make advanced stroke care affordable, life-saving procedures will become more accessible for patients across India, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Speaking on CMRI’s successful participation in the trial, Sombrata Ray, Unit Head at CMRI Kolkata, told, “CMRI is focused on advancing our neurological capabilities, and this trial was a testament to our commitment. CMRI is the only hospital from Eastern India to participate in the trial."

"Participating in this trial also reinforces our ongoing efforts to combine clinical expertise, research, and innovation to improve outcomes for patients from across the country and beyond," he said.

Dr. Shashvat M. Desai, who designed the device, said: "Through this trial, we have demonstrated that India is ready to lead in the development and validation of advanced medical technologies."

Developed by Gravity Medical Technology, he said the device will address the urgent need for advanced stroke care in India, where 17 lakh people are affected each year.

He said by expanding access to timely thrombectomy, the device has the potential to save countless lives and prevent lifelong paralysis.

Speaking during the press conference via video conference, Dr. Biman Kanti Ray, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, said: “This innovation represents a new era of hope for stroke patients and their families."