Augmenting Cerebral Blood Flow in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Mar 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help patients who have had an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the brain. The goal of the study is to see if combining two treatments—Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Air Compression Therapy—can improve blood flow to the brain and potentially reduce damage caused by the stroke. Remote Ischemic Conditioning involves using a blood pressure cuff on the arm to create a temporary decrease in blood flow, which may help send signals to improve brain circulation. The Air Compression Therapy uses special inflatable sleeves on the legs to promote blood flow from the legs to the brain.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be over 18 years old, have experienced stroke symptoms, and have a modified Rankin scale score of less than 2, which indicates a mild level of disability. However, certain conditions, like injuries to the arms or legs or serious medical problems, would exclude someone from participating. If eligible, participants can expect to receive these innovative treatments and contribute to research that could lead to better care for stroke patients in the future. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be more information available soon.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age \> 18 years
• • 2. Both male and female participants will be included
• • 3. History of Stroke Symptoms
• • 4. Baseline modified Rankin scale score \< 2
• • 5. Participant or substitute decision-maker able to provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Injury to the upper arms, lower limbs (from ankles to thighs), or any other musculoskeletal disability/pain that precludes tolerating RIC and/or Pneumatic compression therapy.
• • 2. History of dermatological conditions affecting application of RIC cuff with tissue perfusion sensor and pneumatic compression boots.
• • 3. History of peripheral arterial disease
• • 4. Treatment of ongoing malignancy with expected survival \< 6 months
• • 5. Presence of hypertensive urgency and emergency
• • 6. Presence of hemodynamic instability and ongoing pulmonary edema
• • 7. Presence of clinical or imaging signs of raised intracranial, intrathoracic, and /or intra-abdominal pressure.
• • 8. Presence of ongoing systemic infection with antibiotic therapy
• • 9. Pregnant and lactating women
• • 10. Participant not part of other clinical intervention trial