Overview
The purpose of this research study is to test an experimental procedure called intra-arterial delivery of verapamil in patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. This study investigates the safety of intra-arterial delivery of verapamil, a drug used to treat vasospasm (spasm of a blood vessel), and how it affects recovery from stroke. Recruitment is limited to patients that have received mechanical thrombectomy as standard of care.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Written informed consent
- 18 years of age and over
- Acute onset focal neurologic deficit consistent with acute ischemic stroke, or computed tomographic scan consistent with acute cerebral ischemia
- Candidate for mechanical thrombectomy procedure
- Onset of symptoms less than 8 hours
- Measurable neurologic deficit (NIHSS >1)
- Willingness to follow up with rehabilitation therapy
- Anticipated life expectancy of at least 3 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (pregnancy test will be done on women of child-bearing potential)
- Hepatic and/or renal insufficiency (LFT's>3× upper limit of normal; CrCl < 30ml/min)
- Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <75,000/mm3)
- History of intolerance to verapamil
- Previous functional disability (modified Rankin > 1)
- Stuporous or comatose
- Unlikely to be available for 90 day follow-up
- Severe stroke (NIHSS>22)