Clinical Research Directory

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis in Branch Atheromatous Disease

Rationale and Relevance: Branch Atheromatous Disease (BAD) describes an atherosclerotic occlusion of one of the deep penetrating cerebral arteries, including the lenticulostriate artery (LSA), paramedian pontine artery (PPA), and anterior choroidal artery (ACHA). BAD is frequently associated with early neurological deterioration (END), particularly progressive motor deficits that contribute to increased disability. Despite its clinical relevance, BAD remains underrepresented in major radiomorphological classification systems such as TOAST, which has led to limited evidence and unclear treatment strategies. Previous studies suggest that the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be reduced in BAD compared to other stroke etiologies. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVT compared with single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with BAD-related stroke. A secondary objective is to examine the impact of acute-phase blood pressure fluctuations on END and functional neurological outcomes. Design and Methods: This international multicenter study will be conducted retrospectively according to the STROBE guidelines. Eligible patients include those with BAD-related stroke treated at one of the participating centers between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria comprise characteristic diffusion-weighted MRI patterns in predefined vascular territories (LSA, PPA, ACHA) and a symptom onset ≤24 hours before admission. Patients with typical lacunar infarcts or with other identified stroke etiologies will be excluded. Endpoints: Primary endpoints include functional outcome at three months, defined as a favorable outcome with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1; occurrence of END, defined as a ≥4-point worsening on the NIHSS within 24-48 hours; and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Collected data include clinical, imaging, and therapeutic variables, as well as blood pressure trajectories and pre-stroke treatments (as detailed in the study protocol). Statistical Analysis: Analyses will be performed using SPSS and R. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariable models (IPTW and Poisson regression) will be applied. Results will be reported as adjusted relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. Significance: This study will provide the first comprehensive evaluation of IVT versus SAPT/DAPT in BAD-related stroke, and will investigate the clinical impact of blood pressure changes in this specific stroke subtype. The findings aim to support evidence-based treatment recommendations for a currently underrecognized and poorly understood stroke etiology.

Dual Anti-Platelet Optimized Stent for High Bleeding Risk Patient

High risk of bleeding (HBR) is a determining factor for the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Recent studies have shown that the use of one-month DAPT is beneficial in terms of ischemic as well as hemorrhagic events, particularly in HBR patients, compared with longer DAPT. European guidelines therefore authorize one-month DAPT in HBR patients presenting even an acute coronary syndrome. The HT Supreme Drug Coated Coronary Stent System (HT Supreme DES) is designed to promote reendothelialization as quickly as possible. That's why the stent is called "HT" Supreme, with "HT" standing for "Healing Targeted", enabling a DAPT of just 1 month in all-comers HBR patients. Thanks to these features, the investigators aim to demonstrate ischemic and hemorrhagic complication rates lower than those found in the literature with other stent.

Comparison of Cardiovascular Risks Between Hip Fracture Surgery With Continued DAPT（Dual Antiplatelet Therapy ） Within 6 Weeks vs After 6 Weeks Post-PCI（Percutaneous Coronary Intervention）: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is commonly used to treat stable ischemic heart disease. Among patients, 7.5% require surgical treatment, and up to 20% may need noncardiac surgery (NCS) within two years. Compared to patients without coronary stents, those requiring NCS shortly after PCI face an increased risk of perioperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), primarily manifested as thrombotic and bleeding events. Guidelines recommend 6-12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) post-PCI to prevent stent thrombosis, which is associated with an elevated risk of perioperative bleeding during NCS. Multiple retrospective studies suggest that the incidence of MACCE decreases as the interval between PCI and NCS lengthens, reaching a risk level similar to non-PCI patients after 12 months. However, other studies indicate that the risk in patients with similar PCI-NCS intervals correlates more with surgical complexity and urgency. Guidelines advise adequate antiplatelet therapy post-PCI to prevent stent thrombosis and recommend avoiding elective surgery within 4-6 weeks after PCI, contingent on bleeding and thrombotic risk assessments. Many post-PCI patients facing NCS option to delay surgery after weighing the risks of discontinuing antiplatelet therapy versus postponement, which not only reduces quality of life but also increases the risks associated with delayed surgery. Additionally, retrospective studies have found that in unavoidable emergency or time-sensitive surgeries, the heightened perioperative cardiovascular risk is primarily due to the underlying surgical condition affecting organ function, rather than the PCI-NCS interval or antiplatelet therapy discontinuation. Recent advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques have reduced trauma and bleeding, leading to broader indications for surgery in patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. The widespread use of newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) with advanced antiproliferative drugs has further lowered stent thrombosis rates. Moreover, refined PCI techniques minimize vascular injury during stent placement, reducing the likelihood of extra-stent restenosis. From an anesthesiology perspective, concerns for post-PCI surgical patients extend beyond bleeding risks to whether cardiac function can withstand perioperative hemodynamic changes. As surgical and anesthetic techniques evolve, traditional single-method anesthesia is increasingly replaced by combined techniques that ensure adequate analgesia while minimizing hemodynamic disturbances, maintaining oxygen supply-demand balance, and reducing ischemic and bleeding events. Hip fractures in elderly patients, often termed the "last fracture in life," carry high surgical and anesthetic risks for those with coronary artery disease. While PCI addresses coronary stenosis, the use or discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy exposes patients to bleeding and ischemic risks. The optimal timing for hip fracture surgery is within 48 hours; delays may lead to malunion, prolonged bedrest complications (e.g., pressure sores, pneumonia), and increased deep vein thrombosis risk. Modern hip fracture surgeries (e.g., internal fixation, hip replacement, Proximal femoral nail antirotation internal fixation) are well-established, with reduced bleeding and faster recovery, making it feasible to perform surgery without interrupting antiplatelet therapy. Existing research primarily consists of retrospective analyses of cardiovascular risk prediction in post-PCI patients undergoing NCS, with no recent prospective studies. Guideline recommendations on PCI-NCS intervals remain unchanged since 2016. Consequently, many PCI patients must delay surgery, enduring unpredictable risks and diminished quality of life. This study aims to prospectively observe the incidence of MACCE in hip fracture surgery performed within six weeks post-PCI without discontinuing DAPT. The findings may provide evidence for the feasibility of early post-PCI surgery, offer clinicians and patients safer antithrombotic strategies, and present a new option to improve patient quality of life.

Non-antithrombotic Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Trial

Aspirin group: Aspirin 100mg will be started within 24 hours after randomization, and continued aspirin 100mg/day the end of the study period. Non-antithrombotic group: No antithrombotic agents will be administered after randomization until the end of the study period.