Assessing cognitive function after carotid artery stenting

Assessing Neurocognition After Cerebrovascular Intervention

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Diego · NCT03344276

This study is testing how carotid artery stenting affects thinking and memory in people with narrowed carotid arteries by checking their cognitive skills and brain blood flow before and after the procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT03344276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between carotid artery disease and neurocognitive dysfunction by conducting a series of cognitive assessments and collecting serum markers of inflammation before and after carotid artery stenting. Patients with significant carotid stenosis will undergo cognitive testing at two points prior to the intervention and two points following it, allowing researchers to analyze changes in cognitive performance. Additionally, neuroimaging will be performed to assess brain blood flow and its correlation with cognitive outcomes. The study seeks to provide prospective evidence on how carotid stenosis impacts cognitive function and the potential role of inflammatory markers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with either symptomatic carotid stenosis of 50% or greater or asymptomatic stenosis of 70% or greater.

Not a fit: Patients requiring emergency carotid stenting or those with acute symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with carotid artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on carotid artery disease and cognitive function, this specific approach of using within-subjects design and serum biomarkers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients \>18 years of age
* ultrasound evidence of carotid stenosis; in which the patient has either 50% or greater symptomatic carotid stenosis or 70% or greater asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients \<18 years of age
2. patients with without compatibility for MRI
3. patients requiring carotid stenting for reasons not related to long-standing stenosis
4. patients requiring emergency carotid stenting for acute symptoms such as crescendo transient ischemic attacks, intolerance of physiologic blood pressure.
5. Patients that do not have appropriate capacity (i.e. understand the risks and benefits associated with this study) or are unable to consent for themselves will not be included in this study.

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carotid Artery DiseasesNeurocognitive Dysfunctioncarotid stenosisneurocognitioncarotid stentingcircle of willis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.