Medtronic Partners with Methinks AI to Enhance Stroke Care

Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Methinks AI, a Barcelona-based artificial intelligence firm specializing in stroke detection software. This collaboration aims to revolutionize stroke care by integrating advanced AI technology with Medtronic's established portfolio of ischemic stroke treatment devices.

AI Integration to Streamline Stroke Triage

The partnership will see Methinks AI's CE-marked software incorporated into Medtronic's suite of stroke treatment hardware, including blood clot aspiration systems and stent-based retrievers. This integration is designed to enhance the triage process and improve care coordination, particularly in stroke centers and regional hospitals across Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Turkey, and the Middle East.

Methinks AI's software utilizes standard, non-contrast CT scans to identify large vessel occlusions and intracranial hemorrhages. The system's ability to work with Microsoft Teams and cloud technology enables real-time alerts to healthcare providers, potentially reducing critical delays in stroke therapy.

Expanding Access to Advanced Stroke Care

Maria Zvereva, Medtronic's neurovascular strategic marketing leader for the CEMA region, emphasized the partnership's significance: "This partnership reinforces our commitment to support healthcare professionals with advanced stroke care tools, ensuring faster and more effective treatment for patients across the region and transforming stroke care by combining breakthrough AI assessment with world-class medical device solutions."

The collaboration is particularly beneficial for healthcare facilities that may lack advanced imaging equipment. By leveraging Methinks AI's technology, these providers can potentially overcome limitations in their diagnostic capabilities, leading to more timely and effective stroke interventions.

Pau Rodríguez, CEO of Methinks, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are honored to collaborate with Medtronic, a company that shares our commitment to increasing the number of stroke treatments available to those that urgently need them. Together, we aim to bring our AI-driven solutions to more hospitals to benefit from early triage and efficient coordination."

This latest move builds upon Medtronic's previous efforts in AI-assisted stroke care, including a 2019 agreement to distribute stroke-detection software from Viz.ai. The financial terms of the new partnership with Methinks AI have not been disclosed.