Mainz -- In a video interview at neuroRAD 2026 in Mainz, Prof. René Chapot of Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus in Essen discussed the ongoing debate around distal thrombectomy, questioning whether current devices, recanalization scores, and clinical outcome measures adequately capture treatment success.
“If you leave half of the vessels occluded, we cannot claim that this is a success,” he said.
Chapot also reflected on lessons learned from complications and the importance of treating patients rather than cases. Looking ahead, he emphasized advances in catheter technology, 6D imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI), while raising concerns about variations in stroke treatment decisions between daytime and nighttime.
Earlier that day, he joined other neurointervention pioneers Dr. Hans Henkes and Dr. Ajay Wakhloo for a discussion about innovation, patient care, and the future of the specialty. Read the full report here.
