Comparing endovascular treatment and medical management for stroke patients with disabilities

Treatment With Endovascular Intervention for STroke Patients With Existing Disability

Observational University of Cincinnati · NCT05911568

This study is testing whether a procedure called endovascular thrombectomy can help stroke patients with existing disabilities feel better compared to just using medication.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1060 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations25 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 24 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05911568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the risks and benefits of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) versus medical management in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke and have pre-existing moderate-to-severe disabilities. It will enroll individuals with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who present within 24 hours of their last known well time and have a modified Rankin score (mRS) of 3 or 4 prior to their stroke. The study will take place at 12 comprehensive stroke centers, focusing on the effectiveness and safety of these two treatment approaches in a diverse patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with moderate-to-severe pre-stroke functional disabilities who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with terminal illnesses or those whose pre-stroke disabilities are deemed temporary may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into effective treatment options for stroke patients with pre-existing disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: While endovascular thrombectomy has shown success in non-disabled stroke patients, this study addresses a novel population that has not been extensively studied in previous trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients (≥18 years)
2. Moderate-to-severe pre-stroke functional disability, defined as mRS 3-4, for at least 3 months prior to stroke onset
3. Presenting to study hospital within 24 hours of last known well time
4. Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke
5. Intracranial causative occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the M1 or dominant M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery visualized on the baseline CT(or MR) angiogram
6. Presenting CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score ≥3 or MRI ASPECT score ≥4
7. Presenting NIH Stroke Scale score ≥6
8. Informed consent from patient if competent or from legally authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known diagnosis of a terminal cancer or terminal illness at the time of stroke
2. Assessment of pre-stroke functional status cannot be performed during the hospital stay
3. Pre-stroke disability deemed temporary in the investigator's opinion (for example, recovering from a general medical illness or traumatic bodily injury)

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 24 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 StrokeStroke, AcuteStroke, Ischemic
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.