• • DISTAL: The international, multicentre, randomized controlled trial led by Prof. Marios Psychogios at the University Hospital Basel investigated whether interventional catheter treatment, which is already standard for cerebral strokes with large vessel occlusions, is also beneficial for smaller, more peripheral vessel occlusions. Initial results have not shown any additional benefit of interventional therapy; further analyses are still underway.
    
    Publication: here

• • TECNO: The TECNO study (local study management: Prof. Marios Psychogios and Prof. Mira Katan) is investigating whether intra-arterial lysis therapy with tenecteplase improves blood flow after incomplete vascular reopening more effectively than standard therapy. Adults with ischemic stroke and incomplete vascular reopening after catheter treatment are randomly divided into two groups: One receives tenecteplase, the other receives standard drug treatment.

• • MOSES: The MOSES study, led by Prof. Mira Katan, is an international, multicentre, randomized controlled trial. It is investigating whether a specific blood value(MR-proANP) can help to choose the best preventive treatment after a stroke. The aim is to find out whether patients with an elevated value should be treated with blood thinners (anticoagulants) rather than platelet inhibitors (antiplatelet agents).

• • ELAPSE: The ELAPSE study (local study management: Prof. Mira Katan and Prof. Michael Kühne) is investigating whether the combination of a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and surgical closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAO) is more effective than DOAC therapy alone in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke, systemic embolism and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation who have suffered a stroke despite optimal anticoagulation.
    
    
  • ESTREL: The ESTREL study, led by Prof. Stefan Engelter, is investigating whether the Parkinson's drug levodopa improves motor recovery after a stroke. In this multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study, patients in 24 Swiss centers are treated with either levodopa or a placebo for five weeks, in addition to standardized rehabilitation. The main objective is to assess motor function after three months, measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Score.
    
    
  • EMINENT-ICH: This study, led by Prof. Jehuda Soleman and Prof. Raphael Guzman (Neurosurgery), is investigating the effectiveness of early, minimally invasive, image-guided endoscopic removal of brain hemorrhages. Over five years, a total of 200 patients with intracerebral hemorrhages will be treated in 11 centers to test whether this method improves recovery and survival rates.

• • LIBREXIA: This international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (local study leader: PD Dr. Gerrit Grosse) is testing the efficacy and safety of Milvexian in addition to single or double platelet therapy for secondary prevention after an acute ischemic stroke or a high-risk transient ischemic attack (stroke).

• • OCEANIC: This study under the local leadership of Dr. med. Joachim Fladt is investigating whether the anticoagulant drug Asundexian can reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic strokes without increasing the risk of bleeding. In this international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study, around 12,000 patients are receiving either Asundexian or a placebo in addition to standard therapy.

The aim of prospective cohort studies and registry studies on stroke is to gain a better understanding of the course of stroke. Patients with stroke are examined at regular follow-up visits and their data is recorded in order to analyze risk factors, treatments and the long-term course. These studies provide valuable insights into which treatments are effective and which factors increase the risk of a first or recurrent stroke and influence the healing process.

• Swiss Stroke Registry: The Swiss Stroke Registry collects comprehensive stroke data from stroke centers and stroke units in Switzerland in order to continuously improve the treatment and outcome of stroke patients. Basel plays a central role as a leading research and treatment center. It not only treats patients, but also conducts important studies and analyses that contribute to the optimization of stroke care and prevention in Switzerland.
  
• EVA-TRISP: EndoVAscular treatment and ThRombolysis for Ischemic Stroke Patients (EVA-TRISP) is an international, multicenter study investigating the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Under the direction of Prof. Henrik Gensicke and Prof. Stefan Engelter at the University Hospital Basel, data is being collected on patients who have received either intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular catheter treatment. The aim is to better understand the results of these treatments outside of randomized trials in clinical practice.
  
• UMBRELLA: This project (local study lead: Prof. Mira Katan and PD Dr. Gerrit Grosse) aims to improve stroke care through a holistic approach - from diagnosis and emergency treatment to rehabilitation and prevention. With the help of a digital platform, real patient data is harmonized and AI models are developed to optimize diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment decisions. Standardized protocols and digital tools will improve patient care, while a regulatory roadmap will ensure long-term implementation.
  
• CRESCENDO: This consortium, led by Prof. Mira Katan and PD Dr. Gerrit Grosse, is investigating why patients have a high risk of recurrent stroke after an ischemic stroke. To this end, biomaterials and data from over 5,000 patients from Hanover, Seville and Basel/Zurich are being analyzed. The consortium is researching circulating biomarkers associated with brain damage, inflammation and immune thrombosis in order to better understand individual risks and find new approaches to prevention.
  
• SWISS-AF BRAIN: This study led by Prof. Leo Bonati and Prof. Michael Kühne in collaboration with the Stroke Center Basel (Dr. med. Tim Sinnecker) is investigating the links between atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline. The aim is to decipher the underlying mechanisms by analyzing brain damage and cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation using innovative imaging methods and other biomarkers. The study uses extensive data from the Swiss-AF cohort, including MRI scans and neuropsychological tests, to develop preventive approaches for cognitive impairment.

Link to the Neurovascular Research Cluster: here