A practical brain-cooling device to protect the brain during acute ischemic stroke
Official title: A practical, clinically-focused endovascular cooling system for neuroprotection in acute ischemic stroke
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11371687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, patient-friendly endovascular cooling system aims to protect brain tissue during emergency stroke treatment to improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $443,850 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS145101-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults experiencing acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion who are candidates for thrombectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for thrombectomy or with contraindications to endovascular procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on using a targeted brain cooling method during stroke care, using existing blood vessels to deliver cooling without cooling the whole body. It builds on recent thrombectomy advances to try to reduce brain damage right after clot removal. The approach uses intravascular catheters to introduce cold saline or cool flowing blood, addressing limitations like fluid overload and warming of the solution. The goal is to create a safer, practical device that can be used quickly in the emergency setting at stroke centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could improve functional outcomes after stroke by reducing neuronal injury.
How similar studies have gone: Prior brain-cooling approaches have shown promise but face technical challenges; this project seeks a practical, clinically focused solution with potential for real-world use.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kallmes, David F — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kallmes, David F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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Nanoparticle-delivered tPA to overcome clot resistance in acute ischemic stroke
A Mayo Clinic team is testing a nanoparticle-delivered tPA approach to help dissolve clots more effectively in people with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel blockage.
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Engineered tissue regulatory T cells as a treatment for stroke
A new off-the-shelf cell therapy using engineered regulatory T cells could help people who have an ischemic stroke recover by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
-
Fast penumbral imaging to guide stroke treatment
Aims to develop quick MRI techniques to identify tissue at risk in acute ischemic stroke and help decide whether to use advanced clot-busting treatment.
-
Circadian factors shaping reperfusion success in acute stroke
This grant looks at how the body’s internal clock might influence how well stroke patients respond to clot-busting or clot-removal treatments.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.