Clinical trial Recruiting at 4 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two methods for treating stroke caused by basilar artery blockage

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

Run by Hopital Foch · NCT05320263 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment480 (estimated)
SponsorHopital Foch
Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Bordeaux and 11 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 19, 2022
Main results expectedJuly 2026
Study endsJuly 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 1, 2023
Trial IDNCT05320263 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running

  • Chu Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France
    Recruiting
  • Chru Nancy
    Nancy, France
    Recruiting
  • Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
    Paris, France
    Recruiting
  • Hôpital FOCH
    Suresnes, France
    Recruiting
  • CHU Caen
    Caen, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU Limoges
    Limoges, France
    Not yet recruiting
Show 6 more locations
  • CHU Montpellier
    Montpellier, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • Chu Nantes
    Nantes, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • APHP - Pitié Salpêtrière
    Paris, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU de Reims
    Reims, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU Rennes
    Rennes, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU de Tours
    Tours, France
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.