Presentation

Confirmed speakers

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• Aikaterini Anastasiou, University Hospital of Basel - CH

  

  Aikaterini Anastasiou

  University Hospital of Basel

  Address:  Petersgraben 5, Basel - Switzerland

    Email: aikaterini.anastastasiou@usb.ch

  In July 2022, I graduated as a medical doctor from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. During my first year in Switzerland, I worked as a neurology resident at the Rehabilitation Clinic REHAB Basel from 2022 to 2023. In October 2023, I began my PhD under the supervision of Professor M.Psychogios in the University of Basel . The main topic of the PhD is ICAD-related strokes and their acute treatment with Rescue Stenting. After more than a year of clinical research in Neuroradiology, I recently begun my training as a radiology resident in the Neurofocus program in the University Hospital of Basel.

  Non-contrast Flat-detector CT: Positioning, Radiation, Diagnostic Yield, SPINNERS 

  In the presentation we will explore the use of flat-detector native CT (FDCT), FDCT angiography and FDCT perfusion imaging protocols in acute stroke care. In order to understand the importance of the FDCT, we will discuss together the idea of “One-Stop in Stroke”, an idea of hyperacute stroke management, where the patient is taken directly to the angio-suit without losing time in multiple “stops” in the emergency department. Regarding the practical use, we will focus on effective dose measurements for patients undergoing and we will discuss the practical topic of positioning of the patient, protocol selection, artifact management, and post-processing from the native FDCT. Finally, after getting an idea of the practical part we will dive into the literature exploring the important topic of diagnostic accuracy and we will get to know the studies which are currently investigating the matter, and they are comparing the FDCT with the conventional CT. One of the studies that are aiming to do that is SPINNERS. The Trial is conducted in the University Hospital of Basel and is currently running in Europe and the USA. We will go through the design of the SPINNERS trial and its current status. 

• Fouzi Bala, Regional University Hospital in Tours - FR

  

  Fouzi Bala

  Regional University Hospital in Tours

  Address: Faculté de Médecine, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé 37034 Tours - France

   Email: f.bala@chu-tours.fr

  Fouzi Bala is an interventional neuroradiologist (MD, MSc) at Tours University Hospital. After his diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology training at Lille University Hospital, he did a research fellowship at the Kings College Hospital in London and then within the renowned Calgary Stroke Program. During his stay in Calgary, he led the imaging core lab of the randomized trial AcT and has been actively involved in the EVOLVE trial. His research interest focuses on thrombus imaging and the improvement of mechanical thrombectomy techniques.

  Perfusion imaging Post Thrombectomy: What’s the evidence for no reflow?

  The no-reflow phenomenon or impaired microvascular reperfusion despite successful reperfusion remains a significant challenge after endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke. This phenomenon is associated with poor clinical outcomes and infarct growth despite the restoration of macrovascular blood flow (futile recanalization). Perfusion imaging plays a critical role in assessing tissue viability and microvascular integrity after EVT. Imaging biomarkers such as reduced cerebral blood volume/flow and prolonged Tmax may help detect no-reflow, reflecting microvascular obstruction, endothelial injury and inflammatory responses. However, challenges remain in standardizing imaging exams and interpreting perfusion imaging. Standardization of imaging protocols are needed to mitigate the impact of no-reflow and improve outcomes in stroke patients.

• Wagih Ben Hassen, Sainte Anne Hospital - FR

  

  Wagih Ben Hassen

  GHU Paris Sainte Anne

  Address:  1 rue Cabanis – 75014 Paris - France

    Email: w.benhassen@ghu-paris.fr

  -    Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiologist in Sainte-Anne Hospital Paris
  -    Focus on Mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke: Imaging Biomarkers – Therapeutic rials

  Perfusion imaging at cath lab

  At this roundtable we will discuss the new opportunities brought by the new-generation of angiographic tables, allowing immediate acquisition of flat panel CT perfusion imaging (FPCT-PI) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Perfusion imaging could help understanding acute stroke physiopathology, infarct evolution, immediate brain response after recanalization and detect eventual no-reflow phenomenon. It could also represent the new gold standard measurement tool for rating MT recanalization results.

• Grégoire Boulouis, Clinical Investigation Centre of Tours - Technological Innovation, Regional University Hospital in Tours & Imaging, Brain, Neuropsychiatry (iBraiN) / INSERM, University of Tours - FR

  

  Grégoire Boulouis

  Clinical Investigation Centre of Tours - Technological Innovation, Regional University Hospital in Tours

  & Imaging, Brain, Neuropsychiatry (iBraiN) / INSERM, University of Tours

  Address:  Faculté de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé 37032 Tours - France

   Email: g.boulouis@chu-tours.fr

  Pr Grégoire Boulouis is a clinician-scientist and interventional neuroradiologist at CHU Tours, France, affiliated with INSERM’s iBrain research unit (UMR1253) and CIC IT 1415. His expertise centers on adult and pediatric stroke. Trained in Lille, Paris, and at Harvard Medical School's Stroke Research Center, he actively participates in national and international stroke trials and leads multiple clinical research initiatives. A committed educator, he co-founded and chaired JENI, a collaborative research network for junior neuroradiologists. He holds leadership roles in the French Society of Neuroradiology,  the International Pediatric Stroke Organization and the European Stroke Organisation, contributes to national and international clinical trials. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, his research focuses on translating neuroimaging advances into improved patient outcomes.

  The variety of vascular malformations, 3D visualization/models 

  Vascular malformations are complex anomalies requiring precise anatomical characterization for effective intervention. This talk explores the added value of 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography and advanced visualization techniques, particularly cinematic rendering, for guiding direct puncture approaches in treating superficial vascular malformations.
  In low-flow vascular malformations, needle placement is typically guided visually or by ultrasound, with subsequent phlebography or cystography to characterize lesion anatomy and monitor sclerosant injection.  High-flow malformations present different challenges, with imaging revealing rapid arteriovenous shunts and dilated draining veins. Advanced imaging, including rotational 3D angiography, significantly aids therapeutic targeting. Sclerosants are administered through transarterial, transvenous, or direct puncture approaches, supported by precise anatomical mapping provided by CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography).
  In a recent work, we showed that CBCT significantly improved understanding of lesion architecture in 89.2% of cases and facilitated needle placement in 64.9% of interventions, particularly for complex cervical and ENT lesions.
  These findings highlight the clinical relevance of integrating 3D visualization technologies such as CBCT and cinematic rendering into routine interventional radiology practice, ultimately translating into enhanced patient outcomes and communication. Imaging exemple will be presented and discussed.

• Tomas Dobrocky, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology - CH

  

  Tomas Dobrocky

  Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology

  Address:  Rosenbühlgasse 25, 3010 Bern, Switzerland

   Email: tomas.dobrocky@insel.ch

  Dr Tomas Dobrocky is a specialist in radiology with a focus on interventional neuroradiology and has been a senior physician at the Department of Neuroradiology at Inselspital, University Hospital, Switzerland since 2018. 

  As part of his specialization in the field of interventional neuroradiology, Tomas Dobrocky completed a fellowship at the Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Canada, under Prof Timo Krings & Prof Vitor Pereira, and at the Fondation Rothschild in Paris, France, under Prof Michel Piotin. 

  Among others, his research interests include diagnostic workup and minimally invasive treatment of patients with cerebrospinal fluid loss syndrome and perforator aneurysms. Dr Tomas Dobrocky's publication list includes more than 120 original papers, reviews and book chapters.
   

  Fusion Imaging to understand Diseases and targets for embolization

  Digital subtraction angiography provides excellent spatial and temporal resolution; however, it lacks the capability to depict the nonvascular anatomy of the brain and spinal cord. During the presentation cases in which a new integrated fusion workflow of cross-sectional imaging and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) provided important diagnostic information and assisted in treatment planning will be presented. These will include acutely ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations, a small superficial brainstem AVM, a thalamic microaneurysm, and a spine AVM, where fusion was crucial for diagnosis and influenced further treatment. Fusion of 3DRA and cross-sectional imaging may help to gain a deeper understanding of neurovascular diseases. This is advantageous for planning and providing treatment and, most importantly, may harbour the potential to minimize complication rates. Integrating image fusion in the work-up of cerebrovascular diseases is likely to have a major impact on the neurovascular field in the future

  Perforator Aneurysms: Updates on current Imaging modalities and a call for action

  Cerebral perforators are end-arteries that vascularize specific deep territories in the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem. Due to improved imaging quality, these aneurysms are increasingly diagnosed in clinical routine. High resolution 3D angiographic images are mandatory and in some occasions fusion images might be helpful to detect these aneurysms. Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (or BAPAs) are one of the most common subtypes of perforator aneurysms and might cause subarachnoid hemorrhage along the brainstem (perimesencephalic hemorrhage).  Due to the limited evidence, the management of BAPAs may pose a challenge in clinical routine. While some aneurysms can be managed conservatively, a few might require treatment to prevent rebleeding. The current evidence on the topic will be presented during the talk to increase the awareness on these potentially underdiagnosed aneurysms.

   

   

   

   

   

• Bart Emmer, Amsterdam University Medical Center - NL

  

  Bart Emmer

  Amsterdam University Medical Center

  Address:  Meijbergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam - The Netherlands

   Email: b.j.emmer@amsterdamumc.nl

  Dr. Bart Emmer, MD, PhD (m), is an interventional neuroradiologist in Amsterdam UMC and a board member of the subsection of neuroradiology of the Dutch society of radiology and Dutch delegate for the UEMS (Neuroradiology). He is the principal investigator of AIRBORNE, (Artificial Intelligence for early imaging Based patient selection in acute ischemic stroke), and CLEOPATRA, a healthcare evaluation study into the cost-effectiveness of CT perfusion in the selection of stroke patients for endovascular treatment. He is local investigator in several stroke trials (ESCAPE NEXT, CASES, MRCLEAN NO-IV, MRCLEAN MED, TECNO) and has been involved in MR CLEAN, BASICS, ECST-2, TESLA, TO-ACT and MR CLEAN LATE trial. He has authored more than 170 articles. (H-index of 34).

  Non-Contrast Flat-Panel CT After Thrombectomy

  Flat-panel CT (FPCT) in the angiography suite represents a significant advancement in post-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) assessment for acute stroke patients. This technology eliminates the need for patient transport to conventional CT, reducing time-to-imaging from 30-45 minutes to 2-5 minutes. FPCT provides high spatial resolution imaging capable of detecting hemorrhagic complications with high sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional CT. Clinical applications include immediate assessment of hemorrhage, recanalization status, infarct evaluation, and device-related complications. Despite limitations in soft tissue contrast and artifacts, FPCT enables critical real-time decision-making that can impact patient management in- and outside the angio-suite. Implementation should require standardized protocols, basic staff training, and some form of quality assurance measures. Future developments include AI integration, possibly enabling automated detection of haemorrhagic complications, enhancement of image quality and quantitative assessment of recanalization and infarct volumes. By streamlining workflow and enhancing patient safety, FPCT technology has the potential to become an essential component of comprehensive stroke centres worldwide.

• Kevin Janot, Regional University Hospital in Tours - FR

  

  Kevin Janot

  Regional University Hospital in Tours

  Address: Faculté de Médecine, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé 37034 Tours - France

   Email: kevin.janot@hotmail.com

  Consultant Neuroradiologist

  Good quality images will save your day: Complex cases

  High-quality imaging can be your best ally in the angiosuite. In this presentation, I will review a series of real-life cases where optimal image acquisition proved critical in guiding the operator’s understanding, decision-making, and therapeutic strategy adjustments.

• Johannes Kaesmacher, Clinical Investigation Centre of Tours - Technological Innovation, Regional University Hospital in Tours - FR

  

  Johannes Kaesmacher

  Clinical Investigation Centre of Tours - Technological Innovation, Regional University Hospital in Tours 

  Address: Faculté de Médecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé 37032 Tours - France

   Email: j.kasmacher@chu-tours.fr

  Johannes Kaesmacher is a clinician-scientist (MD, PhD) and interventional neuroradiologist with a strong background in stroke treatment and clinical stroke research. After initial training in Munich, he is currently an Associate Professor at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern and a Research Group Leader at the Stroke Research Center Bern. He also serves as an attending physician at the University Hospital Bern. His research focuses on adjuvant medical therapies and new imaging techniques during acute interventional stroke treatment. He has been actively involved in multiple large international randomized stroke trials, including SWIFT DIRECT and IRIS, and is the sponsor of the recently launched TECNO trial. One of his specific research interests is detecting residual perfusion deficits after acute procedures to enable more individualized decision-making during acute patient care. He is actively involved in university-level training and education and serves on several committees of European medical societies (e.g. European Stroke Organisation, ESO; European Society of Minimal Invasive Neurological Therapy, ESMINT).

  Perfusion Imaging in the Angio Suite: State of the Art

  Mechanical extraction of clots (“mechanical thrombectomy”) with specialized catheters has become the standard of care for treating stroke patients with a large-vessel occlusion. However, in more than half of the treated patients, remaining small vessel occlusions (e.g. due to clot fragmentation during the procedure) limit the benefit of this therapy. In current clinical routine, the detection of these small remaining vessel occlusions and the decision for further treatment by the operator is based on 2D angiographic images. This technique has several limitations, mainly due to its two-dimensional nature. Recently, a new imaging technique, with the possibility to acquire whole brain 3D time-resolved perfusion directly in the operating room was technically made possible (so called flat-panel detector computed tomography perfusion imaging, FDCTP). It can overcome the many limitations of 2D angiographic images, but processing algorithms and clinical validation are currently lacking. A currently running prospective project aims to develop, implement and validate FDCTP for evaluating brain reperfusion during acute interventional management of stroke patients. The talk will cover implementation, challenges and interpretation of contemporary state of the art FDCTP. Both, clinical examples and the outlook regarding research projects will be covered. 

• Michael Manhart, Siemens Healthineers - DE

  

  Michael Manhart

  Siemens Healthineers 

  Address:  Siemensstrasse 1, 91301 Forchheim, Germany

  Email: michael.manhart@siemens-healthineers.com

  Dr. Michael Manhart graduated with a PhD in Computer Science from FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany in 2014, specializing in interventional perfusion imaging. Since 2015, he has been serving as an Innovation Project Manager at Siemens Healthineers, Advanced Therapies, where he oversees a broad range of innovation projects related to interventional imaging, with a particular focus on 3D imaging in interventional neuroradiology. In 2024, Michael advanced to the role of Principal Key Expert for Imaging and Visualization, continuing to drive forward cutting-edge developments in his field.

  DynaCT: Technical foundation, artifacts and acquisition protocols

  The syngo DynaCT journey began in 2004 when Siemens Healthineers launched the first cone-beam CT solution. This innovation significantly transformed treatment planning and delivery in the angio suite or Hybrid OR, eliminating time loss and additional patient risk. syngo DynaCT enables the verification of treatment success while the patient remains on the table, thereby reducing the need for re-interventions and re-operations. Since its inception, numerous 3D applications based on syngo DynaCT have been developed, further expanding its capabilities. This presentation explores the current state and future potential of 3D applications to confidently visualize the entire brain parenchyma and identify pathological anatomies using syngo DynaCT.

• Marco Pasi, Regional University Hospital in Tours - FR

  

  Marco Pasi

  Tours University Hospital 

  Address:  2 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours - France

   Email: marco.pasi@univ-tours.fr

  I completed my neurology residency in Florence, Italy, where I developed a strong passion for clinical neurology and stroke care. Following this, I pursued a research fellowship at the Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, focusing on MRI markers of cerebral small vessel disease, particularly in the context of intracerebral hemorrhage. After my fellowship in Boston, I completed a clinical fellowship and a PhD at Lille University Hospital. My doctoral research focused on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, deepening my expertise in this field. I am now Professor of Neurology and Head of the Stroke Unit at Tours University Hospital, France. From September 2025 I have the privilege to be the director of the University Training Center in Speech Therapy (CFUO) of Tours.
  Research Areas: Cerebral small vessel disease, intracerebral haemorrhage, cerebellar haemorrhage, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, covert brain infarction.
   

   

• Eike Immo Piechowiak, Neuroradiology Bern Inselspital - CH

  

  Eike Immo Piechowiak

  Institutions: Neuroradiology Bern Inselspital

  Address:  Rosenbuehlgasse 25, 3010 Bern - Switzerland

   Email: eike.piechowiak@insel.ch

  PD Dr. med. Eike Immo Piechowiak is a specialist in radiology with a focus on diagnostic and invasive neuroradiology and has been head physician at the University Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at Inselpital in Bern since 2020. 
  After studying medicine at the University of Freiburg, Germany, Eike Piechowiak completed his residency in radiology at the University Hospital Marburg, Germany, and at the Institute of Radiology at the Inselspital Bern. There he subsequently specialized in diagnostic and especially interventional neuroradiology under the direction of Prof. Jan Gralla.
  His main research interests are imaging and interventional therapy of spinal CSF leaks as well as minimally invasive treatment and diagnostics of ischemic stroke.
  Most significant achievement: Three wonderful children who keep me fit.

   Is it leaking or am I freakin’: Flat-Panel for the detection of CSF-venous fistulas

  Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) due to a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an increasingly recognized condition associated with clinically debilitating headaches and a significant impact on quality of life. 
  Spinal CSF leaks are categorized into three major types: Type I leaks consist of ventral dural tears, most commonly caused by discogenic microspurs. Type II leaks result from ruptures of dural nerve root sleeves, typically occurring along the inferior side of the sleeve. Type III leaks involve direct connections between the intrathecal compartment and epidural or intraforaminal veins, referred to as CSF-venous fistulas (CSFVF). 
  The cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula (CSFVF) was first described in 2014 and remains challenging to localize. This difficulty arises from the typically low flow into the fistula in conventional myelographic studies and the complexity of imaging acquisition timing. The optimal imaging technique for detecting these fistulas remains a topic of ongoing debate.
  Currently, three primary modalities are employed for their identification: digital subtraction myelography (DSM), computed tomography myelography (CT myelography), and flat-panel CT myelography (FP-CT myelography). With advancements in angiography systems, FP-CT myelography provides high spatial resolution and can be seamlessly integrated into routine dynamic myelographic protocols. The combined use of digital subtraction myelography and FP-CT within the same examination offers complementary advantages: DSM enables high temporal resolution, while FP-CT provides superior spatial resolution. This combined approach has the potential to significantly improve the detection rate of CSFVFs.

• Eytan Raz, NYU Langone Medical Center - USA

  

  Eytan Raz

  NYU Langone Medical Center

  Address:  660 First Avenue 10016 New York - USA

   Email: eytan.raz@gmail.com

  Eytan Raz is an Assistant Professor at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Bellevue Hospital. After graduating from Sapienza University of Rome and obtaining a PhD degree, he completed the fellowship in Interventional Neuroradiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. He is the author of more than 200 publications in high impact factor, peer-reviewed journals such as JNIS, AJNR, Stroke, Radiology, JAMA. His fields of expertise include neurovascular anatomy, neurovascular diseases, brain aneurysms, dural fistulas and stroke. In 2020 he was appointed associate editor of S:VIN journal and Editor for AJNR.

  Micro 3D DSA for understanding anatomy: Clinical utility in non-shunting lesions 

  The aim of this talk is to describe the role of different variants of CBCT in multiple neurovascular conditions as a tool to improve the understanding of disease and guide therapeutic decisions. Multiple applications in different pathological conditions such as aneurysms, stroke, tumors will be described. HR-CBCT angiography, widely available, is uniquely useful in certain clinical scenarios to improve the understanding of disease and guide therapeutic decisions. It rapidly is becoming an essential tool for the contemporary neurointerventionalist.

  3D/4D Angios: Tips for acquisition, when to, a roadmap for the clinic

  The aim of this talk is to describe the role of different CBCT
  protocols applied in multiple neurovascular conditions as a tool to
  improve the understanding of disease and guide therapeutic decisions.
  Multiple applications in different pathological conditions such as
  aneurysms, stroke, tumors will be discussed. Discussion will include
  differentiation of the various protocol lengths and discussion of
  different contrast dilutions.

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