Mission
Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of death and disability worldwide. About thirty percent of stroke incidents are caused by carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAA).
Carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability is considered an important way to identify CAA and can be used to reduce stroke incidence, but better methods at determining plaque vulnerability and stroke risk are needed. For example, emerging research suggests that plaque composition better predicts stroke risk; however, it is debated on how plaque features are best detected and monitored via current imaging techniques already available in clinical care and techniques being developed.
Technological advances in neurovascular imaging are quickly progressing while the demand increases in the physician workforce; therefore, it is crucial that experts within the field of stroke care and its peripheral tackle challenges through a more efficient and cohesive platform. The field in vascular imaging is niche, and there are very few meetings that cover this advanced and quickly evolving topic. Our scientific meeting not only aims to close the gap between clinic and research silos, but it aims to coalesce the various aspects of research development and clinical implementation through creating collaborative projects in the final session of the meeting.
The Wasatch Invitational for Neurovascular Imaging (WINI) sets to focus on very specific themes in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of carotid disease by gathering multidisciplinary physicians, surgeons, scientists and engineers to present current work and the barriers to develop new research proposals that will strengthen healthcare impact, reducing the burden of neurological disorders and stroke.
Location
Utah is known for the Greatest Snow on Earth. With the meeting held in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, guests are minutes away from some of the best ski towns North America as well as have access to all that Salt Lake City life has to offer. We hope this fresh powder mountain escape will cultivate fresh and creative thinking, whether skiing, hiking, or taking in the views and crisp mountain air while relaxing.
New for WINI March 2026
Themes: Role in Coronary Carotid Atherosclerosis/ Vessel Wall Imaging of Intraplaque Hemorrhage/ At The Table of Clinical Experience: Farming Improved Vessel Imaging for Stroke
Educational Outreach: CME Accreditation, trainee focused poster sessions, and virtual registration option
Family Friendly: Located near world class recreation center with child-care services and activities.
Previous Meeting Topics
March 2025: Carotid IPH, Plaque Progression and Clinical Connections/ Plaque RADS, CT, Inflammation and Aging in the Brain/ Updates from the D-TECT Consortium.
March 2024: Dementia, Vascular Disease, Small Vessel and Large Vessel Relationships/ Stroke, ESUS, Cardiovascular and Vessel Wall Imaging/ Neurovascular Research at the University of Utah
March 2023: Atherosclerosis and Cognitive Decline/ Challenges and Need for Imaging and Analysis Standardization/ Essentials of Collaboration and Multicenter Research
Interested in Speaking or Attending? Please contact Sheila.Martinez@utah.edu