Clinical Research Directory

CTSN Embolic Protection Trial

This is a prospective, multi-center, randomized effectiveness trial of the CardioGard Embolic Protection Cannula in high-risk valve surgery patients.

Transitions of Care for Stroke Patients

For stroke patients, early initiation of therapy typically yields the best functional outcomes. Rehabilitation of stroke patients immediately after hospitalization minimizes deleterious effects of immobility and facilitates restoration of function. The investigators are testing if coordinated efforts between the medical and rehabilitation disciplines may improve stroke patient's functional recovery and subsequent follow-ups after discharge.

Continuous Dual Aspiration Technique With Zoom System for Stroke

This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and clinical performance of ADAPT 2.0, first-line aspiration neurothrombectomy with Zoom System with Continuous Dual Aspiration Technique (CDAT).

Gravity Stent-Retriever System For Reperfusion Of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial

The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Supernova stent retriever device, developed by Gravity Medical Technology, for treating acute ischemic stroke. The device is used to remove blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain .

Clinical Implication of Atrial Fibrillation Detection Using Wearable Device in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke

It is known that atrial fibrillation after stroke significantly increases the risk of stroke or systemic embolism. Accordingly, efforts have been made to detect hidden atrial fibrillation and apply treatment using anticoagulants instead of antiplatelet agents. The conventional method used to screen for atrial fibrillation in stroke patients who did not have atrial fibrillation at first admission is 24-hour Holter monitoring. This study will compare the detection rate of atrial fibrillation with discontinuous ECG monitoring three times a day and 72 hours of single-lead ECG patch monitoring compared with the conventional Holter test.

Testing the Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence in Stroke Survivors

The goal of this study is to test if Savvy, a multimodal intervention (consisting of psychological exercises, a weekly pill organizer, and a text message reminder system) can improve medication adherence in stroke survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the Savvy tool improve medication adherence in stroke survivors compared to usual care? * Does the use of the Savvy tool lead to better blood pressure control after a stroke? The investigators will compare the use of the Savvy intervention to a control group that receives usual care, including a package of educational materials. The study consists of the following components: * Participants will receive the Savvy intervention or usual care. The intervention package consists of short psychological exercises over the phone, a weekly medication organizer to support daily medication intake, and text message reminders to take medication and refill the medication box. Participants in the control group will receive usual care, including educational materials about the importance of blood pressure and medication. * All participants will receive a free home blood pressure monitor and will be requested to measure their blood pressure at certain time points during the study. * Participants will be enrolled in the study for 6 months and will have virtual follow-up calls at 3 and 6 months.

Whole-life Investigation of Lishui Longevity

1. To establish a standardized, normalized and scientific joint screening and follow-up management system for chronic disease multimorbidity in Lishui City, and early identify common risk factors of major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and tumors. 2. To carry out targeted intervention and long-term follow-up for high-risk populations, reduce the incidence risk of major chronic diseases in the target population, improve residents' health status and grassroots comprehensive prevention and treatment capacity of chronic diseases, and provide scientific evidence and practical support for the construction of Healthy Lishui.

Hemoadsorption for Severe Ischemic Stroke

This is a multicenter, randomized-controlled, open-label, blinded endpoint clinical trial that aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hemoadsorption for severe ischemic stroke

Measuring Absolute Brain Flow and Brain Microcirculation Resistance by Continuous Thermodilution

Worldwide, cerebrovascular accidents (also known as strokes) are the leading cause of acquired disability, the second-leading cause of dementia (after Alzheimer's disease) and the second-leading cause of death (but the leading cause of death among women). A mechanical thrombectomy (MT) allows the recanalization of the occluded cerebral artery during an acute ischemic stroke, by removing the blood clot with a mechanical device inserted endovascularly under image guidance. MTs are the optimal treatment for a large number of patients presenting an occlusion in an anterior artery (the internal carotid artery and the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery). Reperfusion is considered satisfactory if the mTICI score at the end of the procedure is of mTICI 2c or mTICI 3. Despite these scores having been obtained by 71% of patients during the randomized trials, showing the superiority of MT over intravenous thrombolysis, only 27% of these patients were free of neurological deficits at 3 months . Therefore, there is a discrepancy between the high rate of macroscopic recanalization and clinical results. One hypothesis to explain this discrepancy is that despite high quality macroscopic recanalization, reperfusion of the cerebral microcirculation remains insufficient: macroscopic recanalization is not equivalent to microscopic reperfusion. This discrepancy also exists in cardiology: despite a high rate of coronary artery recanalization when patients with an ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction are in emergency care, half of these patients later exhibit coronary microvascular dysfunction. The absence of reperfusion is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, recurring myocardial infarctions, cardiogenic shock and heart failure one year after the coronary recanalization for an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. It has been shown that continuous intracoronary thermodilution can be used to quantify coronary blood flow and the absolute value of microcirculatory resistance (in Wood units). There are not currently any tools that can quantify cerebral microcirculation immediately after an MT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using a pressure/temperature sensing guidewire to measure cerebral microcirculatory resistance using thermodilution in patients with a score of mTICI 2c or 3 after MT for the management of acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation.

Connectomic Alterations Following Acute Ischemic Stroke in the MCA Territory

This study seeks to use safe, powerful, non-invasive computing tools, including machine learning and advanced neuroimaging analysis, to better understand how stroke affects the brain's network of connections. Using structural MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging, this study will generate a detailed map of brain pathways to evaluate how strokes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory disrupt the brain's structural networks. In the future, this approach may help physicians better predict recovery, monitor neuroplasticity, and guide rehabilitation decisions after stroke.

Mexidol® Safety and Efficacy in Treatment of Hyperacute and Acute Ischemic Stroke

The primary objective of this study is to further define the mechanisms of action of Mexidol® (solution for intravenous and intramuscular injection, 50 mg/ml) and Mexidol® FORTE 250 (film-coated tablets, 250 mg) in the hyperacute and acute periods of ischemic stroke, and to evaluate their impact on clinical and neuroimaging outcomes of the disease.

Florida Cerebrovascular Disease Biorepository and Genomics Center

The purpose of this study is to create a state-wide biorepository and resource center for cerebrovascular diseases in Florida, which will include collecting medical history information and blood from subjects affected by cerebrovascular disease. The information and blood samples collected may be used in future research for the study of cerebrovascular disease and to learn about, prevent or treat other health problems.

External Post-Operative Skull Prosthesis to Prevent Sunken Flap Syndrome in Craniectomy Patients

Patients that undergo decompressive craniectomy are at risk of delayed changes in brain function known as "Sunken Flap Syndrome" or "Syndrome of the Trephined." The goal of this clinical trial is to see if placing a prosthetic over patients' skull defects can prevent "Sunken Flap Syndrome." The main questions are: 1. Can placing a prosthetic device over patients' skull defects prevent Sunken Flap Syndrome? 2. Can placing a prosthetic device over patients' skull defects decrease healthcare costs? 3. Can placing a prosthetic device over patients' skull defects improve recovery and return of brain function after decompressive craniectomy? Patients that experience traumatic brain injuries, brain bleeds, and large strokes can build up high levels of pressure in the skull. When this pressure can't be controlled with medications, a life-saving surgery called a decompressive hemicraniectomy (DC) is often performed. In this surgery, a large portion of the patient's skull is removed to decrease pressure on the brain and decrease permanent damage. After this surgery, many patients experience sinking of the brain in the skull as the pressure inside the head improves. The skull normally protects the brain from the outside environment. When large parts of the skull are removed, the brain is not able to regulate itself normally. This can lead to a number of problems, such as headaches, weakness, seizures, and even coma and permanent brain damage. This is referred to as "Sunken Flap Syndrome" (SFS) or "Syndrome of the Trephined" (SoT). After 3-6 months, patients can have the missing skull surgically repaired, which improves and sometimes fixes SFS, but the damage is sometimes too severe to be reversed. There are reports of patients with SFS treated with custom-made prosthetics that cover the missing piece of skull. In this study, the researchers want to see if wearing a custom-made prosthetic can prevent patients from experiencing SFS. Patients will also receive additional non-invasive measurement to see if the prosthetic can improve brain function and recovery. Finally, the researchers want to know if the prosthetic is cost-effective by decreasing the frequency that patients see doctors or receive care to treat SFS. Patients or the patient's medical decision makers will be asked if the patient wants to participate in the study after DC. If the patient or decision maker agrees to participate, the patient will be also asked if the patient wants to wear the prosthetic. The prosthetic is made of a common material used in other facial prosthetics. Patients that agree to wear the prosthetic will have a custom plate made for the participant. All patients will receive the same post-operative care and appointments whether or not the prosthetic is worn. The participant will go to the normally scheduled post-operative doctor's appointments at 2 and 4 weeks after initial DC surgery. Patient's that agree to wear the prosthetic will receive it at the 4-week post-DC appointment. The participant will then be asked to wear it as much as possible, but to let the researchers know if the participant experiences any pain, itching, discomfort or other problems. All patients will also be seen by the patient's physician before and after and after skull repair. At all appointments, patients will receive non-invasive testing of brain function. Recovery and rate of SFS will be compared between patients that do and do not wear the prosthetic. Participants will: * Go to the normally scheduled 2 and 4 week post-DC appointments * Go to the normally scheduled pre- and post-skull repair appointments * Receive additional non-invasive brain health testing at each appointment Participants that agree to wear a prosthetic will: * Receive the custom prosthetic at the 4-week post-DC appointment * Wear the prosthetic as much as possible, including at night * Take a brief survey about the prosthetic at the post-skull repair appointment

Effect of Different Feeding Modes on Psychological Condition and Experience in Stroke Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the differences on Psychological Condition and Experience in ischemic stroke patients using Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube and Nasogastric Tube. Patients will be randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, all receiving routine rehabilitation treatment. On this basis, the observation group will use Intermittent Oro esophageal Tube for enteral nutrition support, while the control group will use Nasogastric Tube. Researchers will compare Psychological Condition and Experience of two groups.

A Pivotal Study Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness of Adaptative Tip Catheter in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and the effectiveness of the Adaptive Tip Catheter (ATC) used as a first line direct aspiration thrombectomy technique for patients suffering of an acute ischemic stroke.

Michigan Initial Experience Using Tigertriever for Thrombectomy

The purpose of this research study is to collect data about the effectiveness (i.e. how the device works) and safety (how safe it is to use such a device) of the Tigertriever in restoring blood flow by removing thrombus (or blood clot) from a large intracranial vessel (blood vessel in the brain) in patients experiencing ischemic stroke within 8 hours of symptom onset.

Modulation of Cerebral Ischemia by Albumin

A single-center, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled, prospective phase II clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of low-dose albumin in patients with ischemic stroke with an indication for vasographic intervention. The clinical trial consists of the following phases: Screening, randomization, treatment phase - administration of albumin/placebo and vasographic intervention (with the duration of all these 3 phases in the order of hours) and a follow-up phase, which takes place first in the intensive care unit (ICU) and then in a standard ward and lasts 90 (±7) days. The clinical trial ends with the End of Study/Day 90 visit. The total maximum duration of patient participation in the clinical trial is therefore 97 days, including Follow-up. Ischemic stroke is caused by local perfusion impairment due to thromboembolism or thrombosis at the site of perfusion impairment. The damaged brain area is projected into the patient's neurological clinical picture. The primary stroke cannot be influenced by therapeutic procedures, however, the area of the so-called penumbra (the surroundings of the ischemic lesion, where vasoreactivity is impaired and the blood-brain barrier is more or less damaged) can be, which is the main goal of therapy, as well as improving the neurological clinical outcome of patients as much as possible (thrombolysis, neuroangiointervention). Research over the past 20 years has highlighted the importance of the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) and has proposed a number of concepts and substances with a protective and reparative effect. Albumin has come to the forefront of interest. The study assumes a benefit for patients in the form of non-circulatory effects of administered albumin: improvement of EG condition in the penumbra area of the ischemic focus, improvement of microrheology, and antioxidant protection. Albumin therapy has been used for 80 years and is generally well tolerated. Allergy to albumin is rare, as it is a protein of the body's own from healthy donors. The concomitantly used medicinal products are highly purified. The selected dosage should not endanger the patient in any way in terms of circulatory overload, pulmonary edema, and, we assume, also in terms of bleeding into the ischemic focus of the brain. Study drug: albumin. Any albumin available on the market in the dose and strength specified in the protocol can be used. The reference SmPC is Alburex (manufacturer CSL Behring). Placebo: Fresenius Kabi 0.9% saline solution. It is planned to enroll 100 patients.

Implementation of Onsite Rapid CYP2C19 Assay for Genotype Guided Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Acute Ischemic Stroke

The goal of this observational study is to use a genetic test to help doctors prescribe the most effective medications after a patient has a stroke. One type of stroke is caused by a blood clot in brain vessels. After a patient has this kind of stroke, they are often given a combination of two blood thinners to prevent it from happening again. One of these blood thinners, called clopidogrel, is less effective in some people due to differences in their DNA. Clopidogrel needs to be activated by a specific enzyme in the body known as CYP2C19. This enzyme does not work as well if there are variations in the section of DNA that tells the body how to make CYP2C19. It can be predicted who has less CYP2C19 enzyme activity with a genetic test. If these patients are given a different blood thinner, it can reduce their risk of another stroke compared to if they are given clopidogrel. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * What are the best strategies to implement this genetic test in the hospital? * Does implementation of this genetic test change providers' decisions on which medication to prescribe after a participant has a stroke? Participants in this study will have a genetic test done onsite looking for variations in the section of DNA that tells the body how to make CYP2C19. This genetic test will only look for 11 known variations; the genome will not be sequenced. The investigators will alert the doctor of the patient's test results so they can prescribe the appropriate blood thinner. Through this, the investigators will learn the best practices for successful implementation of this genetic test.

Improving Early Reperfusion With Adjuvant Dornase Alfa in Large Vessel Ischemic Stroke (EXTEND-IA DNase)

Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute ischemic stroke, who are are eligible for standard intravenous thrombolytic therapy within 4.5 hours of stroke onset will be assessed for major vessel occlusion to determine their eligibility for the trial. All participants will receive intravenous tenecteplase (or alteplase due to manufacturer shortage) and endovascular thrombectomy as standard care. The trial is a Bayesian Optimised Phase 2 dose-finding umbrella trial (single arm versus objective performance criterion of 20% substantial reperfusion prior to endovascular thrombectomy based on the EXTEND-IA TNK trials NCT02388061, NCT03340493). The aim is to determine the optimal dose of intravenous dornase alfa (recombinant human DNase 1) with sufficient promise to take forward in a seamless phase 2b/3 design.

Efficacy and Safety of Interleukin-6 Receptor Inhibitor Combined With Endovascular Treatment in Patients With Acute Posterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

This is an investigator-initiated phase III clinical trial employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of an interleukin-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab) combined with endovascular therapy in patients with acute posterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke.

Intra-arterial Tenecteplase for Acute Medium Vessel Occlusion Stroke

The ANGEL-MeVO-TNK is a multicentered, prospective, randomized, open label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) phase III trial. A total of 488 AIS patients (age ≥18 years) with acute MeVO-AIS (occlusion of the M2/M3, the A1/A2/A3, the P1/P2/P3, and with baseline NIHSS score \>5 or disabling stroke with NIHSS score 3-5 \[such as neurological deficits in motor strength, language, vision, etc\]), will be enrolled. Patients fulfilling all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be randomized 1:1 into the IA TNK group or the control group after offering informed content. * The IA TNK group：1) If the patient has not received IVT, IA TNK will be administered as a slow, continuous infusion for super-selective contact thrombolysis in a stepwise manner: an initial dose of 0.0625 mg/kg with a duration of 15 minutes. A repeat angiographic assessment will then be performed; if recanalization is not achieved, an additional dose of 0.0625 mg/kg will be administered over a further 15 minutes (maximum dose 12.5 mg) . 2\) If the patient has received IVT, intra-arterial TNK will be administered as a slow infusion for super-selective contact thrombolysis at a dose of 0.0625 mg/kg (maximum dose 6.25 mg) with a duration of 15 minutes. * The control group will be given standard medical management. The study consists of four visits including the day of randomization, 48±12 hours after randomization, and 90±7 days after randomization. Demographic information, symptoms and signs, laboratory test, neuro-imaging assessment neurological function rating scale will be recorded during the program. The primary outcome is the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 1 at 90±7 days after onset. The primary safety outcome is the incidence of sICH within 48±12 hours after randomization (ECASS III).

SmartWatch-driven AF Detection in Stroke Patients

Unrecognized atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of ischemic stroke. Implantable event monitors (ICM) are the gold standard for continuous heart rhythm monitoring but they have been implemented in very few patients after stroke due to high invasiveness and high costs. In this trial, patients with implanted ICMs (Medtronic Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor) will be randomized to use one of two wearables (1:1 Apple Watch or PulseOn) for continuous monitoring. The aim is to compare the probability of detecting an episode of AF with a wearable versus the gold standard ICM. Both groups will use the wearable for 12 weeks. If the wearables detect an arrhythmic pulse curve, this is communicated by vibration. By laying the other hand on the device, a 1-channel ECG is performed. ECG data will be transferred regularly to the CoreLab (Universityhospital Leipzig) for analysis. After 12 weeks, the patients will visit the site and answer questions regarding the usability, compliance and satisfaction with the wearables.

Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (ReMEDy2 Trial)

This is a Phase 2/3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa) in treating participants with moderate stroke severity, who present within 24 hours of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) onset due to small and medium vessel occlusions. This study focuses on participants with limited treatment options. Participants who have or will receive mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are not eligible for participation. Additionally, participants who have received fibrinolytics are excluded unless they experience a persistent neurological deficit of moderate severity six or more hours after fibrinolytic treatment. Participants considered for this trial should not be denied the use of standard of care (SoC) AIS therapies, such as fibrinolytics or MT, when appropriate. The double-blinded study will be randomized and placebo-controlled at up to approximately 100 sites.

Early Closure of Left Atrial Appendage for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke Despite Anticoagulation Therapy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and cardioembolic stroke due to AF is its major complication. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) reduce the risk of cardioembolism in patients with AF. Despite DOAC therapy, there is a significant residual stroke risk of 1-2%/year. Recent data from the Swiss Stroke Registry found 38% of patients with AF and ischemic stroke were on prior anticoagulant therapy (approximately 400 patients per year in Switzerland). The investigators found in a prior observational study, that patients with AF who have ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation are at increased risk of having another ischemic stroke (HR 1.6; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.1-2.1). Combining observational data from 11 international stroke centres, the investigators found that the majority of ischemic strokes despite anticoagulation in patients with AF is "breakthrough" cardioembolism (76% of patients) and only a minority of 24% is related to other causes unrelated to AF. Optimal secondary prevention strategy is unknown. The investigators have conducted two independent observational studies including together \>4000 patients but did not identify any strategy (e.g. switch to different DOAC, additional antiplatelet therapy) that seems superior. A recent randomized controlled trial on surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAAO) found that LAAO may provide additional protection from ischaemic stroke in addition to oral anticoagulation. Triggered by this finding, the investigators performed a matched retrospective observational study and found that patients with AF and stroke despite anticoagulation who received a combined mechanical-pharmacological therapy (DOAC therapy + LAAO) had lower rates of adverse outcomes compared to those with DOAC therapy alone. Therefore, the investigators hypothesize that in patients with AF and ischemic stroke despite anticoagulant therapy, LAAO in addition to anticoagulation with a DOAC is superior to DOAC therapy alone. The investigators propose an international, multi-center randomized controlled two-arm trial to assess the effect of LAAO in patients with AF suffering from strokes despite anticoagulation therapy and without competing stroke etiology. The investigators will use the PROBE design with blinded endpoint assessment. The investigators will enrol patients with non-valvular AF and a recent ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation therapy at stroke onset. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive LAAO + DOAC therapy (experimental arm) or DOAC therapy alone (standard treatment arm). The primary endpoint is the first occurrence of a composite outcome of recurrent ischemic stroke, systemic embolism and cardiovascular death during follow-up. Secondary outcomes include individual components of the primary composite outcome, safety outcomes (i.e. symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, major extracranial bleeding, serious device- or procedure-related complication), functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and patient-oriented outcomes. The minimum follow-up is 6 months and all patients will receive follow-ups every 6 months until end of study, the maximal follow-up will be 48 months. Based on prior observational data from the investigators' group and others (5 observational studies, \>5000 patients), the investigators estimate the proportion of patients with the primary outcome in the standard treatment arm to be 18% in the first year and 9% in the second year (=cumulative 27% after 2 years). A relative risk reduction of 40% at 2 years would be clinically relevant. Based on these assumptions and a log-rank test, the investigators would need 98 events for a power of 80% at an alpha-level of 5%. Assuming a recruitment rate of 52, 118, 156 and 156 patients in years 1 to 4, an additional 6 months of follow-up (mean follow-up time of 2.1 years) and a uniform drop-out rate of 7.5% per year, 482 patients would need to be enrolled. How to treat patients with an ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation is a major yet unresolved clinical dilemma. This trial has the potential to answer the question whether LAAO plus DOAC therapy is superior to current standard of care for patients with AF who have ischemic stroke despite anticoagulation.