Neurovascular interventions rely on low-friction synthetic equipment, from multiple polymer-based and polymer-coated devices to plastic gloves. The paper discussed in this podcast highlights the discovery of quantifiable release of microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the flush fluid during simulated neurovascular interventions.

The study concludes that levels of PFAS, also called 'forever chemicals', released during thrombectomies were double those produced in aneurysm procedures. MP and NP levels did not differ between thrombectomy and aneurysm simulations. Although the exact impact on the human body is still understudied, the potential consequences remain concerning in all cases.

JNIS Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Michael Chen, speaks with the corresponding author of the study, Dr. Sophia Hohenstatt (Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany).

Read the paper, "Workflow level release of microplastics, nanoplastics, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances during simulated neurovascular interventions" (https://jnis.bmj.com/content/early/2026/09/15/jnis-2026-025917), freely available on the JNIS website.

Please subscribe to the JNIS podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4aZmlpT) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3UKhGT5). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @JNIS_BMJ.

Diagnosing and managing cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas (CSFs) requires navigating complex venous anatomy and nuanced imaging techniques.

In this episode, JNIS Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Michael Chen, speaks with associate editor Dr. Emanuele Orru (Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA) about establishing a systematic, multidisciplinary framework to identify and treat these low-pressure CSF leaks.

Dr. Emanuele Orru is the corresponding author of the paper: Cerebrospinal Fluid–Venous Fistulas: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management (https://jnis.bmj.com/content/early/2026/07/16/jnis-2026-025062), freely available on the JNIS website.

Please subscribe to the JNIS podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4aZmlpT) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3UKhGT5). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @JNIS_BMJ.

Large language models (LLMs) are moving beyond simple data extraction to complex, guideline-based triage in emergency stroke care. In this episode, JNIS Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Michael Chen, speaks with Dr. Ayman Meddeb, a senior consultant and interventional neuroradiologist at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. They discuss his latest paper, "Evaluating accuracy and reasoning capabilities of large language models for acute ischemic stroke management" (https://jnis.bmj.com/content/early/2026/06/23/jnis-2026-025429).

Please subscribe to the JNIS podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4aZmlpT) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3UKhGT5). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @JNIS_BMJ.