Evaluating eye blood flow in patients with carotid artery stenosis

Ocular Perfusion in Patients With Unilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis

Observational Medical University of Vienna · NCT06398223

This study is testing how blood flow to the eyes changes in patients with a narrowed carotid artery before and after they have surgery, and comparing it to healthy people to learn more about eye health related to this condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT06398223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess ocular blood flow and optic nerve head blood flow in patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis before and after undergoing carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting. It will also compare these measurements with those from healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate brain tissue oxygenation during the procedures and explore potential correlations between ocular and cerebral blood flow using advanced imaging techniques like Laser Speckle Flowgraphy and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. The goal is to enhance understanding of ocular ischemia related to carotid artery stenosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women aged 18 and older with unilateral carotid artery stenosis scheduled for carotid endarterectomy or stenting.

Not a fit: Patients with significant ocular inflammation or clinically relevant illnesses in the three weeks prior to the study may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for preventing ocular and systemic ischemic complications in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ocular blood flow, this approach using LSFG and NIRS in the context of carotid artery stenosis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis:

* Men and Women aged ≥ 18 years
* Signed informed consent
* Normal ophthalmic findings, unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant
* Diagnosis of unilateral carotid artery stenosis and scheduled carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting

Inclusion criteria for healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects:

* Men and Women aged ≥ 18 years
* Signed informed consent
* Normal ophthalmic findings, unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant
* Normal findings in the medical history, unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant
* Non-Smokers

Exclusion criteria for patients with carotid artery stenosis and healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects:

* Blood donation in the three weeks preceding the study
* Symptoms of a clinically relevant illness in the three weeks preceding the study
* Ocular inflammation or infection within the last 3 months
* History of family history of epilepsy
* Diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Women of childbearing potential (neither menopausal, nor hysterectomized, nor sterilized) not using effective contraception

Where this trial is running

Vienna

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 Stenosis
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.