Can Tho (VNA) – More than 500 doctors and specialists from 15 countries and territories are attending the Stroke Intervention School 2026 international scientific conference and continuing medical education programme in Can Tho from July 16–18, focusing on comprehensive stroke management in the era of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Organised by the Vietnam Society of Neurointervention, the Ho Chi Minh City Society of Neurointervention, the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association and S.I.S Can Tho International General Hospital, the event brings together over 60 leading experts, including 32 international speakers from the US, Germany, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the UK and Australia. It is one of Vietnam's largest annual international forums on stroke care.
This year's conference highlights emerging technologies shaping the future of stroke treatment. Experts are introducing six-dimensional (6D) cerebral vascular imaging for treatment planning, AI-assisted stroke imaging, and robotic intervention and rehabilitation. They are also presenting next-generation neurointerventional devices and personalised treatment strategies to shorten treatment times, improve survival rates, and reduce long-term disability.
The programme also features the country's first Hands-on Animal Lab, a live-model endovascular training course at the S.I.S Preclinical Research Centre. Participants receive practical training on a dedicated digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system under the guidance of international specialists before applying the techniques in clinical practice.
Nguyen Ngo Quang, Director of the Ministry of Health's Department of Science, Technology and Training, said advances in AI, medical robotics and imaging technologies were transforming stroke care, but stressed that their effectiveness depends on well-trained medical professionals.
He highlighted continuous training, scientific research and international cooperation as key pillars for building a modern and sustainable stroke treatment system.
Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee Truong Canh Tuyen said the city aims to become the Mekong Delta's specialised healthcare hub by developing high-quality human resources, accelerating digital transformation, expanding the application of science and technology, and strengthening international partnerships.
He noted that the annual conference has enhanced Can Tho's role as a regional centre for stroke treatment, training and technology transfer, while enabling patients in the Mekong Delta to access advanced care locally rather than travelling to major cities.
Over the past seven years, S.I.S Can Tho International General Hospital has treated more than 1.6 million patients. The proportion of stroke interventions performed within the critical "golden hour" has risen from under 13% in 2019 to around 25%, while the hospital has consistently earned the World Stroke Organisation's Angels Awards and ESO Angels Awards Diamond status, recognising the highest standards in stroke care./.
VNA
