The neurovascular field is increasingly critical, with over 7.6 million annual cases of acute ischemic stroke, 3.4 million intracerebral aneurysm hemorrhages [3], and an estimated number of 1 in 50 people globally affected by brain aneurysms, the Neurovascular MedTech Industry is expected to grow (8.7% CAGR) to 5.5billion USD by 2028 [4]. NV CONNECT is designed to support physicians and the medical device industry in improving patient outcomes globally.

Strategic Response to Market Growth and Demand for Precision Solutions

The introduction of NV CONNECT, complemented by the advanced capabilities of the VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal [5], positions Mentice strategically within the rapidly growing healthcare simulation market, which is forecasted to grow from $2.8 billion in 2024 to an estimated $11.52 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 17% [6]. Driven by the demand for advanced training in complex, minimally invasive procedures like neurovascular interventions, such as intracranial aneurysms, flow diversion, mechanical thrombectomy, carotid stenting, intracranial artery disease and arteriovenous malformations, this growth highlights the need for technologies such as procedural rehearsal, virtual reality (VR), and 3D anatomical modelling. NV CONNECT aligns with these trends, offering healthcare providers a scalable simulation-based platform combining extensive procedural variability and allowing physicians to rehearse patient-specific cases, preparing them for both routine and unexpected scenarios before real patient interventions.

NV CONNECT: Comprehensive Training, Rehearsal, and Device Adoption Solution

NV CONNECT is a novel solution for physicians to increase confidence before real interventions. By combining advanced procedure- and device-specific training with patient-specific rehearsal, NV Connect effectively bridges the gap between basic training and real interventions with real devices. The platform operates on a subscription-based licensing model and provides real-time performance tracking. It features continuous updates, online training materials, and an expanding case library. Additionally, it offers patient-specific rehearsal that allows physicians to apprehend anatomical challenges, test various devices and refine techniques in a safe environment before the actual procedure. Simultaneously, the platform empowers medical device manufacturers with device integration during physician interactions, accelerating device adoption across hospitals. By aligning training with evolving clinical standards, NV CONNECT intends to improve clinician readiness, procedural precision and strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and medical device companies, ensuring best practices and optimized patient outcomes.

The combination of NV CONNECT and Ankyras® aligns with Mentice’s strategic vision to deliver a holistic solution to address the complexities of neurovascular procedures and workflows-providing a seamless transition from procedural and device training to patient-specific planning and rehearsal. This synergy ensures that healthcare professionals can:

• Train with Realism: Practice complex neurovascular procedures using advanced simulations in a risk-free environment, building both confidence and proficiency.
• Plan with Precision: Leverage Ankyras® predictive analytics to tailor treatment plans to individual patient anatomies. Research indicates that personalized treatment strategies improve procedural success rates [7].
• Execute with Confidence: Apply learned skills and optimized plans in clinical settings, ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes. Studies have shown that utilizing advanced simulation and decision support systems can significantly enhance clinical outcomes and reduce complications during procedures [8].
  

“NV CONNECT is more than a training tool—it’s a sustainable ecosystem designed to support interventional neuroradiologists throughout their career, from initial skills training to patient-specific rehearsal before complex interventions,” said Johan Lindkvist, Senior Product Manager for Neurovascular Solutions. “By connecting Ankyras® with our virtual simulation, we are advancing our commitment to empowering physicians with tools that drive patient-specific decision-making and optimize treatment outcomes.”

Ankyras® for Enhanced Personalized Care

Ankyras® models flow diverters’ interactions with blood vessels using advanced algorithms, considering parameters like foreshortening, porosity and expansion, allowing physicians to preemptively address challenges, supported by Ankyras’ clinically validated, CE-marked, and FDA-Cleared decision-support system for selecting optimal flow diverters in treating intracranial aneurysms.

VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal: Precision in Practice

The VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal is a unique and integrated approach that exemplifies how NV CONNECT facilitates a seamless transition from Ankyras® patient-specific planning. The process allows for the direct importation of planning results, including anatomy and devices, into VIST® to provide an optimal immersive rehearsal environment. Designed for complex flow diverter interventions, it uniquely allows physicians to rehearse patient-specific anatomy, fostering better decision-making and confidence ahead of real interventions. By ensuring healthcare providers have access to this exclusive, simulation-based rehearsal, NV CONNECT empowers its users to achieve heightened procedural success, enhanced patient safety [9], and skill refinement unmatched in the industry.

Driving Improved Outcomes with Comprehensive Neurovascular Solutions

"NV CONNECT reaffirms Mentice’s dedication to advancing neurovascular care by seamlessly integrating training, treatment planning, and patient-specific procedural rehearsal, enabling physicians to perform with greater confidence and precision,” said Göran Malmberg, CEO of Mentice. He continued, “With NV CONNECT, and the addition of the successful integration of Ankyras® within our broader virtual simulation ecosystem, we’re delivering a scalable, patient-centric solution that aligns with our commitment to supporting physicians with the tools they need to make informed, patient-specific decisions. The market’s response has been incredibly positive, underscoring the need for innovation that bridges clinical practice and device integration seamlessly.”

Explore how NV CONNECT, paired with Ankyras® and the VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal, transforms neurovascular care. With Ankyras® providing patient-specific planning data and VIST® enabling immersive rehearsal of complex procedures, this integrated platform empowers physicians to make precise, confident decisions. Visit our NV Connect, Ankyras® and the VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal pages to see how these tools work together to support optimal patient outcomes.

Disclaimer & Regulatory Information
Ankyras is manufactured by Mentice Spain S. L.
VIST® Ankyras® Flow Diverter Rehearsal is a training solution not intended for clinical use or decision-making. Ankyras complies with the Medical Device Regulation (EU CE Mark, MDR 784032). Mentice Spain SL is ISO 13485 certified with the number MD 784027. All operators must read the complete Instructions for Use before operating the ANKYRAS.
ANKYRAS is intended for exclusive use by professional users.
Mentice subsidiaries and partners will distribute the medical software products developed and manufactured by Mentice Spain S. L. in approved markets.

References:
[1] NV CONNECT does not include VIST VR Simulators, Physiological flow models, or Ankyras®, a clinical decision support application, which are not included but are available as purchasable add-ons.
[2] Treatment planning is available exclusively within Ankyras® and is available as purchasable add-ons.
[3] The World Stroke Organization: https://www.world-stroke.org/assets/downloads/WSO_Global_Stroke_Fact_Sheet.pdf
[4] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/neurovascular-devices-market-size-and-share.asp
[5] An NV Connect and Ankyras license is required to use the VIST Ankyras Flow Diverter Rehearsal Module.
[6] This represents all medical simulations in Mentice's speciality area, as well as other medical therapies: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/healthcare-simulation-market, https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/healthcare-simulation-market, https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/press-releases/healthcare-simulation-market
[7] Williams, R., et al. (2021). Personalized Treatment Strategies in Neurovascular Procedures. Neurosurgery Insights.
[8] Johnson, L., et al. (2023). Innovations in Medical Device Design: Bridging the Gap Between Manufacturers and Clinicians. Clinical Device Journal.
[9] SJR Publishing: https://sjr-publishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Enhancing-Patient-Outcomes-through-Simulation-Training-for-Healthcare-Providers.pdf | PSNET: https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/simulation-based-clinical-rehearsals-method-improving-patient-safety | Hilaris Publisher: https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/the-use-of-simulation-in-nursing-education-enhancing-clinical-skills-and-confidence.pdf | PSNET: https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/high-fidelity-simulations-impact-clinical-reasoning-and-patient-safety-scoping-review