AIIMS Conducts India’s First Clinical Trial of ‘Supernova Stent’

Why in News

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has conducted India’s first domestic clinical trial of an advanced stroke treatment device called the Supernova Stent, marking a major milestone in indigenous medical device development.

About Supernova Stent

• Type: Advanced stent-retriever device
• Purpose: Treatment of severe, life-threatening ischemic strokes
• Design Focus: Tailored for India’s diverse patient population, where strokes occur at a younger age compared to Western countries

How the Device Works

• A stent-retriever is:
  • A thin, cylindrical mesh tube
  • Inserted through a catheter into the blocked artery
• Procedure:
  1. Stent is expanded inside the artery
  2. Blood clot gets trapped in the mesh
  3. Stent and clot are pulled out together via catheter
• Key Advantage:
  • No permanent implantation required
  • Clot removal within ~10 minutes
  • Rapid restoration of blood flow to the brain

Key Features & Advantages

• Removes multiple types of blood clots
• Opens blocked arteries more effectively
• Improves clinical outcomes in stroke patients
• Suitable for emergency neuro-interventional care

Clinical Significance

• First stroke device in India cleared based on a domestic clinical trial
• Successfully used in 300+ patients in Southeast Asia
• To be manufactured in India, strengthening the medical devices ecosystem

Public Health Impact

• India witnesses around 17 lakh stroke cases annually
• Indigenous production will:
  • Improve accessibility and affordability
  • Reduce dependence on imported devices
  • Support Make in India in healthcare

Source: IE