Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Neuroprotection in Acute Stroke Before and After Thrombectomy (TESSERACT-BA)
Acute Ischemic Stroke
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Acute Ischemic Stroke focused on measuring Transcranial direct current stimulation, Bridging neuroprotection, Adjunctive neuroprotection
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion criteria
- New focal neurologic deficit consistent with AIS
- Age≥18
- NIHSS ≥ 4
- ICA or M1 or M2 MCA occlusion on pre-thrombectomy MRA or CTA
- Onset (last-seen-well) time to randomization time within 24 hours
- Pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale≤ 3.
- Patient ineligible for IV tPA, per national AHA/ASA Guidelines.
- Having undergone endovascular thrombectomy with less than a complete reperfusion (<TICI 2c, 3) for receiving post-thrombectomy adjunct C-tDCS.
- Undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, per national AHA/ASA Guidelines for patients who are assigned to pre-thrombectomy bridging session at Tiers 5, 6.
- A signed informed consent is obtained from the patient or patient's legally authorized representative
Exclusion criteria
- Acute intracranial hemorrhage
- Evidence of a large Ischemic core volume (ADC < 620 µm2/s or rCBF< 30%) ≥ 100 ml
- Presence of tDCS contraindications - electrically or magnetically activated intracranial metal and non-metal implants.
- Pregnancy
- Severe contrast allergy or absolute contraindication to iodinated contrast preventing endovascular intervention.
- History of seizure disorder or new seizures with presentation of current stroke
- Evidence of any other major life-threatening or serious medical condition that would prevent completion of the study protocol including attendance at the 3-month follow-up visit
- Concomitant experimental therapy
- Preexisting scalp lesion at the site of the stimulation or presence of skull defects (may alter current flow pattern)
- Preexisting coagulopathy, consist of a platelet count of ≤ 100, INR ≥ 3, PTT ≥ 90.
Sites / Locations
- University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA)
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
Stimulation arm
Sham arm
Patients will be randomized to active treatment (C-tDCS) vs sham stimulation in a 3:1 ratio. There will be 6 dose tiers: Tier 1 - 1 mA, and Tier 2- 2 mA: Consist of a single stimulation cycle (20min) after the endovascular procedure (EVT) in patients with TICI<2c,3 and negative immediate post-EVT CT scan for definitive evidence of ICH. Tier 3 - 1 mA and Tier 4- 2mA consist of 2 treatment cycles after the EVT in patients with TICI<2c and 3, and negative immediate post-EVT CT scan for definitive evidence of ICH. Tier 5 - 1 mA and tier 6- 2 mA consist of 3 treatment cycles. The first cycle will be up to 20 min cycle, after initial imaging and prior to arterial puncture, the second and third cycles after EVT in patients with TICI<2c and 3 and negative immediate post-EVT CT scan for definitive evidence of ICH.
Patients in the sham stimulation arm at all the tiers will have the cap and electrodes in place, and sham switch moved but without delivery of electrical stimulation.