New Delhi- The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has begun the GRASSROOT clinical trial, a significant advancement in stroke treatment within India. The trial, fully named the Gravity Stent-Retriever System for Reperfusion of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial, seeks to assess a new stent-retriever designed to improve outcomes for stroke patients. Dr. Shailesh Gaikwad, leading AIIMS’ Neuroimaging & Interventional Neuroradiology department, emphasized the trial’s potential to set new standards for stroke care, enhancing both safety and effectiveness.

With over 375,000 stroke patients qualifying annually for mechanical thrombectomy in India, but only a fraction receiving it, the trial offers a critical step toward bridging this treatment gap. The stent-retriever, a collaboration between Indian and international experts, is tailored to India’s medical landscape, promising to be both efficient and cost-effective. Commencing on August 15, 2024, the trial has successfully treated its first patient, marking a promising start for this innovative intervention.

Conducted at 16 hospitals, including AIIMS Delhi and JIPMER in Pondicherry, the trial involves notable medical leaders, including Dr. Shashvat Desai from Gravity’s R&D and global Principal Investigator Dr. Dileep Yavagal from the University of Miami. With such collaborations, the GRASSROOT trial aims not only to advance stroke care in India but also to inspire global standards in accessible stroke treatments, as emphasized by participants like Dr. Kalpesh Shah of Zydus Hospital.