Carsten Schroeder
CEO, Terumo Neuro
Incorporating physician feedback into the stroke and brain aneurysm device innovation process can more accurately address clinical needs, explains Carsten Schroeder, President and CEO of Terumo Neuro.
Can you provide an overview of the company and the conditions you treat?
Our neuroendovascular business originated as MicroVention, a California-based company acquired by Terumo in 2006. We specialise in innovative stroke and aneurysm treatment devices, offering a full portfolio of ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke solutions. Alongside our commitment to best-in-class products, we are leveraging our global infrastructure to advance neuroendovascular innovation.
How has stroke and aneurysm treatment evolved over the past 15–20 years?
In the early 2000s, the primary treatment options for brain aneurysms were surgical clipping or coiling. Over the last two decades, we’ve pioneered the development of catheter-based, minimally invasive, neuroendovascular technologies that provide therapeutic advantages for neurovascular disorders. The evolution of these minimally invasive techniques has resulted in safer, more effective treatments with fewer complications.
Our braided devices offer superior visualisation and manoeuvrability in complex anatomy for aneurysms, otherwise known as a haemorrhagic stroke. Meanwhile, innovations like the SOFIA™ catheter provide safer and more efficient treatment options for ischemic stroke.
The SOFIA catheter has set the
standard in ischemic stroke
treatment for over 11 years.
Why are physician partnerships and innovation part of your DNA?
Physician collaboration is central to our innovation process. We work closely with neurovascular specialists to understand the real-world challenges they face. By integrating physician feedback into our design process, we develop devices which accurately address clinical needs. We actively partner with physicians to provide training and education, to ensure that our products and solutions are used both safely and effectively.
Can you highlight an innovative product and its impact on patient outcomes?
The SOFIA™ catheter has set the standard in ischemic stroke treatment for over 11 years. Designed for aspiration thrombectomy, it efficiently removes clots from brain arteries, restoring blood flow quickly. The SOFIA™ catheter is now recognised globally as the gold standard in aspiration catheters.
The Woven EndoBridge (WEB™) device, a novel intrasaccular implant, has simplified the treatment of intracranial and bifurcated brain aneurysms in haemorrhagic stroke care. By eliminating the need for adjunctive devices and open brain surgery, the device has a proven track record of low complication and rebleed rates.
What are the future priorities for your company in neurological health?
We are constantly evolving with our innovations. We are expanding into new areas, including middle meningeal artery embolisation and liquid embolics for chronic subdural haeomatomas. Additionally, research explores venous stenting for conditions like tinnitus and hydrocephalus treatment through endovascular approaches. In neuro-oncology, we are developing embolic solutions to improve tumour treatment. We continue to focus on generating clinical data to advance neurointervention and are open to working with external companies to develop new neuroendovascular technologies using our global infrastructure.
