PAVIN's First Biennial Conference and Grand Launch

Stroke remains one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, especially in Asia where the burden of cerebrovascular disease continues to rise. The Philippines, in particular, stands at the crossroads of unique challenges and opportunities balancing limited resources with growing expertise in vascular and interventional neurology. Against this backdrop, the Philippine Academy of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (PAVIN) is proud to present its landmark biennial event:

“Stroke Pathways Reimagined: Precision, Progress, and Perspectives”
April 9–10, 2026 | Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines

This two-day scientific gathering brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers committed to advancing the frontiers of stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. More than just another academic meeting, this conference will serve as a platform to reimagine how stroke care can evolve - anchored in science, guided by precision, and enriched by the Philippine experience.

A Comprehensive Program for Higher-Level Learning

The sessions have been carefully designed to tackle the entire stroke continuum of care, from prevention to cutting-edge interventions, and from acute management to long-term outcomes. Each session will be led by esteemed vascular and interventional neurologists and other leading experts, ensuring that participants receive the highest quality of academic and practical insights.

Primary and Secondary Prevention

Stroke prevention remains the cornerstone of reducing disease burden. In this session, experts will highlight updated strategies in risk factor control, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidemia. Special emphasis will be given to population-level interventions, pharmacologic innovations, and lifestyle modifications proven to lower stroke risk. The Philippine perspective where challenges in access and adherence remain will be woven into the discussion, offering participants a balanced view of both global guidelines and local realities.

Acute and Subacute Therapies

Time is brain, and acute stroke therapies continue to evolve at a rapid pace. This session will explore the current landscape of intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular therapies, and supportive neurocritical care, as well as the subacute phase where rehabilitation and secondary complication prevention play vital roles. Practical updates on workflow optimization, imaging selection, and triage models will be featured, along with real-world experiences from Philippine stroke units and tertiary centers.

Interventional Stroke Medicine

Interventional neurology has revolutionized stroke care, yet it demands a high level of expertise and infrastructure. This session will spotlight the expanding role of mechanical thrombectomy, intracranial angioplasty, and stenting for both emergent large vessel occlusion and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Case-based discussions and technical pearls will allow participants to appreciate nuances in decision-making and patient selection. The Philippine journey toward developing interventional stroke hubs will also be showcased as part of this discourse.

Vascular Cognitive Disorders

Stroke does not only lead to motor deficits; it also has profound impacts on cognition and quality of life. The session on vascular cognitive disorders will examine the spectrum of vascular dementia, post-stroke cognitive impairment, and mixed pathologies, highlighting both diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options. Discussions will extend to the integration of neuropsychological testing, advanced imaging, and cognitive rehabilitation into clinical practice. By foregrounding the cognitive dimension of stroke, this session underscores the holistic care required for survivors.

Cerebroprotection in Stroke

Beyond reperfusion and rehabilitation lies the critical frontier of cerebroprotection. This session will address ongoing trials, pharmacologic agents, and neuroprotective strategies aimed at reducing ischemic injury and promoting brain recovery. Cutting-edge concepts such as hypothermia, conditioning strategies, and novel molecular targets will be examined, offering participants a glimpse into the future of stroke therapeutics. For clinicians, the discussion will balance hope with evidence, highlighting both current limitations and opportunities for innovation.

The Highlight: Consensus Conference on ICAS in Asia

While each session promises to deliver higher-level learning, the highlight of the event is undoubtedly the Consensus Conference on Standardizing the Diagnosis and Imaging of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis (ICAS) in Asia.

For the first time, experts from across Asia will convene to address one of the most pressing yet inconsistently managed stroke-related conditions. ICAS is particularly prevalent in Asian populations, contributing significantly to recurrent strokes and long-term disability. However, diagnostic criteria, imaging modalities, and severity thresholds vary widely across countries and institutions, hampering both clinical care and collaborative research.

This consensus conference aims to:

• Define standardized imaging protocols using CTA, MRA, DSA, ultrasound, and emerging technologies.

• Establish unified diagnostic thresholds for stenosis severity.

• Provide clear guidance on reporting and documentation for both clinical and research settings.

• Lay the groundwork for multi-country collaborative studies that reflect the unique epidemiology of ICAS in Asia.

This initiative marks a historic milestone, as it represents the first concerted effort to harmonize ICAS diagnosis and imaging standards across the region. The outcomes of this consensus conference are expected to shape practice guidelines, inform clinical decisions, and elevate the quality of stroke care in Asia for years to come.

Why Attend?

By participating in this conference, you will gain:

• Access to state-of-the-art updates across the entire stroke care continuum.

• Opportunities to learn directly from regional leaders in vascular and interventional neurology.

• A chance to contribute to the first Asian consensus on ICAS standardization.

• Valuable networking opportunities with peers, collaborators, and thought leaders.

• Insight into how Philippine perspectives and innovations are shaping global stroke care conversations.

Join Us in Manila

The Philippine Academy of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (PAVIN) extends its warm invitation to stroke specialists, neurologists, neuroradiologists, interventionalists, trainees, and other professionals to be part of this landmark gathering.

📅 Dates: April 9–10, 2026
📍 Venue: Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines

More details on registration, program schedules, and speaker line-ups will be posted soon at www.pavin.org.

Together, let us reimagine stroke pathways with precision, progress, and a uniquely Philippine perspective - anchored in science, unified in purpose, and committed to care.