Automated robotic monitoring of blood flow in traumatic brain injury patients

Automated Robotic TCD in Traumatic Brain Injury (ART-TBI)

Observational Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT05848297

This study is testing if a new robotic system that monitors blood flow can safely help doctors gather important information about patients with severe brain injuries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Davis, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05848297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of prolonged automated robotic transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring in critically ill patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants will undergo daily monitoring sessions lasting up to 4 hours for a minimum of 3 days, utilizing a robotic TCD system that continuously records cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery. The study will also gather feedback from healthcare providers regarding the implementation of this monitoring protocol. The goal is to determine whether this technology can provide meaningful clinical data while ensuring patient safety.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with blunt TBI and a Glasgow Coma Score of 8 or lower, who have sustained their injury within the last 72 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with catastrophic brain injuries, severe skull injuries, or those requiring immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance monitoring techniques for patients with severe TBI, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, indicating that this may be a novel application of robotic TCD monitoring.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥18
* Blunt TBI with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≤8
* Injury within 72 hours
* Adequate TCD windows
* Ability to obtain informed consent from a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Catastrophic brain injury with grim prognosis (e.g.: GCS 3 with bilateral mid-position pupil)
* C- spine fracture with evidence of spinal cord injury
* Severe skull or scalp injury precluding device placement
* Planned decompressive hemicraniectomy
* Continuous fever for \>6 hours at the time of enrollment (despite treatment)
* Lack of TCD window

Where this trial is running

Davis, California and 2 other locations

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 Brain Injuries, Traumatic
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.