AIIMS Delhi has successfully treated a stroke patient using an advanced stent-retriever device as part of the GRASSROOT clinical trial (Gravity Stent-Retriever System for Reperfusion of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial). This breakthrough trial aims to make affordable and effective stroke treatment accessible across India.

Revolutionary Stroke Treatment Device

The stent-retriever device works by removing blood clots from blocked arteries, restoring blood flow to the brain. Unlike traditional stents, this device is specifically designed to extract clots, making it a game-changer in stroke treatment. The first successful case under the trial involved a 58-year-old man, who was discharged in stable condition shortly after the procedure.

Expanding Stroke Care in India

The GRASSROOT Trial, approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is being conducted at 16 centers nationwide, including AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry. The trial will generate critical clinical data to assess the device’s safety and effectiveness, with the goal of commercial approval.

Addressing India’s Stroke Challenges

Stroke affects around 17 lakh Indians annually, with nearly 3.75 lakh eligible for advanced interventional treatments like mechanical thrombectomy. However, only 5,000 patients received this treatment in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for broader access. AIIMS alone manages over 600 stroke cases annually, showcasing the immense demand for affordable solutions.

Tailored for Indian Needs

The stent-retriever used in the GRASSROOT trial is designed to handle the unique characteristics of stroke clots in Indian patients, including variations in artery size, blood clot type, and younger onset of strokes compared to Western populations. This innovation was developed through collaboration between international and Indian experts.

Looking Ahead

Doctors leading the trial are optimistic about its potential to transform stroke care in India. Dr. Deepti Vibha from AIIMS Neurology remarked, “This trial marks the beginning of a new era in stroke treatment, improving accessibility and saving countless lives.”

The device has already proven successful in Southeast Asia, where over 120 patients benefited in six months. By making this cost-effective technology widely available, the GRASSROOT trial could revolutionize stroke care in India and beyond.