Using ischemic post-conditioning to improve outcomes in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy

Efficacy and Safety of Ischemic Post-conditioning in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke After Mechanical Thrombectomy

Phase 2 Interventional Capital Medical University · NCT05789823

This study is testing if a new method called ischemic post-conditioning can help stroke patients recover better after a procedure to remove a blood clot.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCapital Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality)
Trial IDNCT05789823 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of ischemic post-conditioning as a neuroprotective strategy in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. The study employs a dose-escalation approach to assess the tolerability of ischemic post-conditioning over a duration of 5 minutes across four cycles. By comparing outcomes between patients receiving both treatments and those receiving only mechanical thrombectomy, the trial aims to determine if the addition of ischemic post-conditioning can enhance recovery and reduce reperfusion injury. The trial is designed for patients who have experienced a stroke within the last 24 hours and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke within 24 hours and meet specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed cerebral vasculitis or those who have experienced complications during thrombectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While ischemic post-conditioning has shown promise in animal models, this approach is still being evaluated in human subjects, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years;
2. Acute ischemic stroke within 24 hours from stroke onset (or from time last known well) to groin puncture;
3. Previous mRS ≤ 2;
4. Baseline NIHSS ≥ 6;
5. Baseline ASPECTS ≥ 6;
6. Unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion with or without ipsilateral internal carotid artery occlusion;
7. Successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy (eTICI 2b-3);
8. Written informed consent provided by the patients or their legal relatives.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Confirmed or clinically suspected cerebral vasculitis/fibromuscular dysplasia;
2. Difficulty in reaching the designated position of the balloon used for ischemic post-conditioning;
3. Complications related to thrombectomy, such as contrast agent extravasation, vascular perforation/rupture, dissection, and escape of thrombus;
4. Stenting in the middle cerebral artery M1 segment/distal intracranial carotid artery during thrombectomy;
5. \> 2 times of balloon dilations as rescue therapy due to angioplasty during thrombectomy;
6. Patients with contraindications to MRI;
7. Other conditions that the investigator considered inappropriate for inclusion.

Where this trial is running

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality

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 Acute Ischemic Stroke
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.