Research & Announcements
Advancing the Future of Neurosurgery
At Golden State Neurosurgery, Dr. Benjamin Yim leads research and clinical innovation to make brain and vascular surgery safer, less invasive, and more effective. His work bridges open cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, pairing surgical precision with next-generation device development. Through leadership in multicenter clinical trials, national collaborations, and peer-reviewed scholarship, Dr. Yim continues to advance the treatment of stroke, aneurysms, and chronic subdural hematomas for patients across California and beyond.
Clincial trials and research leadership
MEMBRANE Trial – Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Subdural Hematoma
Site Principal Investigator | ESMINT / SVIN / CNS 2024–2025
The MEMBRANE Trial is a 376-patient, multicenter randomized study comparing standard surgical care with or without middle meningeal artery embolization using n-BCA (glue). Dr. Yim’s site serves as one of the high-enrolling U.S. centers. Early presentations in 2024–2025 demonstrated lower recurrence rates and shorter hospital stays, supporting embolization as a safe, effective complement to subdural hematoma surgery.
IMPERATIVE Trial – Zoom Reperfusion System for Acute Stroke
Site Principal Investigator | JNIS June 2025
This multicenter pivotal study evaluated a new 0.088″ aspiration catheter system for mechanical thrombectomy in large-vessel stroke. Dr. Yim’s site contributed key enrollment and outcomes data demonstrating excellent safety and rapid reperfusion times. Published results in Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery established this large-bore system as a new standard for efficient stroke treatment. PubMed 40695608
ATHENA Trial – ANA5 Funnel Catheter for Thrombectomy
Site Principal Investigator (2023 – present)
A 327-patient randomized study testing whether the ANA5 Funnel Catheter can improve first-pass recanalization during thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion. The trial seeks to shorten procedure time and enhance patient recovery after stroke by optimizing clot capture efficiency.
KEEP Registry – Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization with iED Coils
Site Principal Investigator | SNIS July 2025
SEAL-IT Trial – SEAL Intrasaccular Device for Wide-Neck Aneurysms
Site Principal Investigator (2023 – present)
An FDA Phase III study testing an intrasaccular device that can close aneurysms without the need for adjunctive stents. The goal is to expand options for patients who are not ideal candidates for standard coiling or flow diversion.
GRASP Study – Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Recovery (Vivistim System)
Site Principal Investigator (2023 – present)
This trial explores how implantable vagus-nerve stimulation can promote neuroplasticity and accelerate upper-limb recovery after ischemic stroke. Dr. Yim’s participation brings this cutting-edge rehabilitation therapy to Northern California patients.
CITADEL Trial – Trenza Embolization Device with Target Coils
Site Principal Investigator (2023 – present)
A single-arm study of Stryker’s Trenza device, which integrates a braided mesh and detachable coils to treat wide-neck aneurysms. Early experience shows improved packing density and procedural safety, reducing retreatment rates.
DILATE Study – Neva Device for Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Site Principal Investigator (2023 – present)
This ongoing trial investigates a new catheter-based solution for cerebral vasospasm, one of the most dangerous complications following aneurysm rupture. The device aims to offer a gentler and more controllable alternative to balloon angioplasty.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
June 2025 – “Stroke Thrombectomy with a Novel Reperfusion System (IMPERATIVE Trial)”
Site Principal Investigator | ESMINT / SVIN / CNS 2024–2025
The MEMBRANE Trial is a 376-patient, multicenter randomized study comparing standard surgical care with or without middle meningeal artery embolization using n-BCA (glue). Dr. Yim’s site serves as one of the high-enrolling U.S. centers. Early presentations in 2024–2025 demonstrated lower recurrence rates and shorter hospital stays, supporting embolization as a safe, effective complement to subdural hematoma surgery.
June 2025 – “Semi-Automated Tortuosity Measurements Confirm Generalizability of IMPERATIVE Results”
Interventional Neuroradiology
A complementary analysis using automated vessel-curvature modeling showed that device performance remains strong even in challenging anatomy. These data confirm that the IMPERATIVE findings apply to real-world stroke populations. PubMed 40686305
March 2025 – “LVIS EVO Stent for Intracranial Aneurysms: Early U.S. Feasibility and Safety”
Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery
This multicenter early-feasibility study demonstrated that the LVIS EVO stent offers excellent deliverability and early aneurysm stability. Its low-profile design expands treatment options for small or distal aneurysms. PubMed 38906689
January 2025 – “Lower Ticagrelor Dosing in Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Neurointerventions”
Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery
Dr. Yim co-authored a study evaluating lower ticagrelor dosing in dual antiplatelet therapy. The results showed equivalent stent protection with fewer bleeding events, supporting safer, individualized platelet-inhibition regimens. PubMed 39658130
January 2025 – “Mini-Pterional Craniotomy for MCA Aneurysm via Picket-Fence Technique”
Operative Neurosurgery
This surgical video detailed a streamlined “mini-pterional” approach for middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping. By limiting exposure and using the Picket-Fence method, surgeons can maintain excellent control while reducing postoperative pain and recovery time. PubMed 39760504
Conference Abstracts & Presentations
July 2025 – “Is There a Role for Coils in MMA Embolization for SDH?”
Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS 2025)
Dr. Yim presented an analysis comparing MMA embolization outcomes with and without coil adjuncts. The talk outlined cases where targeted coil placement may improve embolic control and long-term durability in complex or mixed-density hematomas.
July 2025 – “LVIS EVO Mid-Term Safety and Efficacy”
SNIS 2025 Poster
Updated registry data demonstrated durable aneurysm occlusion with minimal retreatment and no delayed complications, supporting LVIS EVO as a safe, reliable next-generation device.
July 2025 – “KEEP Study: iED Coils for Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization”
SNIS 2025 Poster
Presented multicenter results showing high packing densities and sustained occlusion with the iED coil system, validating its role in precise aneurysm management.
July 2025 – “Zebra Radial Catheter System Experience”
SNIS 2025 Poster
A multicenter registry examining the Zebra radial guide-catheter system demonstrated high procedural success and enhanced patient comfort through transradial access. The data further support Dr. Yim’s advocacy for wrist-based neurointervention.
August 2025 – “MMA Embolization Reduces Healthcare Utilization”
Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS 2025)
This multicenter poster showed that adjunctive MMA embolization lowers readmissions, recurrence, and overall cost for chronic subdural hematoma treatment, reinforcing its value for both patients and health systems.
September 2025 – “DriveWire 24 in Real-World Neurointervention”
Société Française de Neuroradiologie (SFNR Congress 2025)
Dr. Yim presented hands-on experience with the DriveWire 24 microwire, noting its superior torque control and distal access in tortuous anatomy. The discussion emphasized how micro-engineering advances can enhance safety and efficiency in complex endovascular cases.
Editorial & Professional Roles
2025 – Peer Reviewer and Editorial Appointments
In 2025, Dr. Yim joined the review panel for the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Journal and continued editorial service with Frontiers in Neurology and Endovascular and Interventional Neurology. His editorial focus includes innovation in subdural hematoma management, stroke intervention, and the integration of AI and machine learning into neurovascular care.
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