Comparing two methods for treating stroke caused by basilar artery blockage

Contact Aspiration Versus Stent Retriever for Recanalisation of Acute Stroke Patients With Basilar Artery Occlusion: The Posterior Circulation ASTER Randomized Trial

This study is testing two different methods for removing blood clots in the brain to see which one helps adults with stroke caused by a blocked basilar artery recover better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 480 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hopital Foch (Academic / other)
• Locations: 12 sites (Bordeaux and 11 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05320263 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two thrombectomy techniques—contact aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy—in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion. The study will enroll adults who meet specific criteria and will assess the speed and success of recanalization, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The trial is designed to provide insights into which method may lead to better recovery rates and overall prognosis for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke with confirmed basilar artery occlusion.

Not a fit: Patients with known chronic large vessel stenosis or occlusion in the symptomatic territory, severe allergies to contrast medium, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for patients with basilar artery occlusion, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the potential effectiveness of thrombectomy in similar populations, but this specific comparison of techniques is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age ≥ 18 years

* AIS with BAO on non-invasive imaging (CT or MRI)
* Eligible for thrombectomy : groin puncture undergone within 24 hours of first symptoms or of last time the patient was seen normal
* Being covered by a national health insurance
* Informed consent obtained from the patients/his proxy or following an emergency procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known or suspected pre-existing (chronic) large vessel stenosis / occlusion in the symptomatic territory (basilar artery)
* Severe contrast medium allergy or absolute contraindication to use of iodinated products
* Clinical history, past imaging or clinical judgment suggesting intracranial stenosis of the basilar artery
* Pregnancy (urine or serum beta HCG test for women of child-bearing potential)
* Person deprived of liberty
* Patient benefiting from a legal protection (guardianship or curatorship)

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux and 11 other locations

• Chu Bordeaux — Bordeaux, France (Recruiting)
• CHU Caen — Caen, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• CHU Limoges — Limoges, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• CHU Montpellier — Montpellier, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Chru Nancy — Nancy, France (Recruiting)
• Chu Nantes — Nantes, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• APHP - Pitié Salpêtrière — Paris, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild — Paris, France (Recruiting)
• CHU de Reims — Reims, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• CHU Rennes — Rennes, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Hôpital FOCH — Suresnes, France (Recruiting)
• CHU de Tours — Tours, France (Not_yet_recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Arturo CONSOLI — Study principal investigator
• Study coordinator: Arturo CONSOLI

Conditions Basilar Artery Occlusion; Stroke; Basilar artery occlusion