Surgical removal of necrotic tissue in stroke patients

Strokectomy in Malignant Cerebral Media Infarction: A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Rostock · NCT06489470

This study is testing a new surgery to remove dead tissue in stroke patients to see if it works better and has fewer problems than the usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rostock Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
Trial IDNCT06489470 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility of strokectomy, a surgical procedure that involves the resection of necrotic tissue in patients suffering from malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. The aim is to evaluate this alternative to the standard decompressive hemicraniectomy (DC), which is currently the recommended treatment for this condition. By including patients with acute unilateral MCA infarction, the study seeks to determine if this approach can improve outcomes and reduce complications associated with traditional surgical methods. The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of this intervention in a pilot setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older with acute ischemic MCA infarction affecting at least two-thirds of the MCA territory.

Not a fit: Patients with significant preexisting disability, severe neurological impairment, or contraindications for surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and better functional outcomes for patients with malignant MCA infarction.

How similar studies have performed: While decompressive hemicraniectomy has been well-studied and shown to be effective, the specific approach of strokectomy is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Ischemic middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction at least two thirds of the MCA territory
* Clinical symptoms of acute unilateral MCA infarction less than 48 hours prior to the initiation of treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preexisting modified Rankin Scale \>2
* Absence of pupillary reflexes or GCS \<6
* Intracerebral hemorrhage or other associated brain lesions
* Contraindications for surgery
* Estimated life expectancy of less than 3 years

Where this trial is running

Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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 Stroke, Ischemicnecrosectomyalternative surgical treatmentstrokectomy
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.