Verapamil for Neuroprotection in Stroke

Intraarterial Verapamil for Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke

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.

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 ≥4)
• 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)
• Severe stroke (NIHSS>22)
• Stuporous or comatose
• Unlikely to be available for 90 day follow-up