Delay Avoiding Primary Evaluation for Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion in the Angiography Suite (DIRECT) Trial

Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two strategies for treating adults with suspected large vessel occlusion stroke within 7 hours of symptom onset. Researchers will evaluate whether direct transfer to the neurointerventional angiography suite improves recovery and reduces disability compared to the conventional approach of first being evaluated in the emergency department. The study will also assess safety and other health outcomes to guide care for stroke patients.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Other
  Conventional Triage for Mechanical Thrombectomy

  Participants undergo the conventional standard-of-care triage process. Upon arrival at the thrombectomy-capable center, patients first undergo an initial evaluation in the emergency department (ED), which includes diagnostic imaging (CT or MRI) to confirm eligibility for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). If the patient is found to have a large vessel occlusion (LVO) suitable for thrombectomy, they are transferred to the neurointerventional suite for treatment.

• Other
  Direct Transfer to Angiography Suite (DTAS

  Patients who arrive at the thrombectomy-capable center (from home, mobile stroke units, or interfacility transfer) are immediately transferred to the neurointerventional suite, bypassing the emergency department (ED). Upon arrival in the neurointerventional suite, initial neuroimaging (typically using flat panel CT or other imaging modalities) is conducted to confirm the presence of a large vessel occlusion (LVO). If the patient is eligible for mechanical thrombectomy (MT), treatment is initiated directly in the angiography suite. This approach aims to reduce delays in care and improve clinical outcomes by providing faster access to thrombectomy treatment.

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