Medtronic just made a move that could reshape how strokes are detected and treated. By strategically partnering with Methinks AI, an artificial intelligence innovator in radiological stroke triage, the healthcare giant dips its toes in AI. The collaboration is focused on advancing stroke care across Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Türkiye, and the Middle East, supporting Medtronic’s Neurovascular business in a region where rapid treatment access remains a challenge.
For Medtronic, this partnership is a natural progression of its mission to not only develop leading-edge medical devices like stent retrievers and aspiration systems but also to enhance the entire stroke care pathway. By bringing AI into the fold, the company is expanding its scope from therapy delivery to early detection and clinical decision support.
At the heart of the partnership is Methinks AI’s software, which uses non-contrast CT imaging to detect over 80% of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) — the most severe and time-sensitive type of ischemic stroke. This matters. In many hospitals across the targeted regions, advanced imaging like CT angiography isn’t always available. Methinks’ tech, which has already been validated in leading European and U.S. hospitals, fills that gap. It brings speed, but crucially, accessibility in hospitals with older equipment.
Medtronic’s goal is to create a seamless connection between stroke-ready centers and regional hospitals, enabling faster triage and better care coordination. Ultimately, it will improve patient outcomes. The software’s ability to run on widely available imaging equipment also makes it especially scalable. This is further strengthened by Methinks’ ongoing collaboration with Microsoft to enhance cloud-based accessibility.
“At Medtronic, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that extend beyond traditional product offerings,” said Maria Zvereva, Neurovascular strategic marketing leader in CEMA region, which is part of the Neuroscience Portfolio at Medtronic. “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.”
Pau Rodríguez, CEO of Methinks, echoed the vision, saying that the collaboration with Medtronic will increase “the number of stroke treatments available to those that urgently need them.”
