Implant for Augmentation of Cerebral Blood Flow Trial-1 (ImpACT-1). A single-arm feasibility study evaluating the safety and potential benefit of the Ischemic Stroke System for treatment of acute ischemic stroke

PLoS One. 2019 Jul 3;14(7):e0217472. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217472. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Background: The Ischemic Stroke System is a novel device designed to deliver stimulation to the sphenopalatine ganglion(SPG).The SPG sends parasympathetic innervations to the anterior cerebral circulation. In rat stroke models, SPG stimulation results in increased cerebral blood flow, reduced infarct volume, protects the blood brain barrier, and improved neurological outcome. We present here the results of a prospective, multinational, single-arm, feasibility study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and potential benefit of SPG stimulation inpatients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).

Methods: Patients with anterior AIS, baseline NIHSS 7-20 and ability to initiate treatment within 24h from stroke onset, were implanted and treated with the SPG stimulation. Patients were followed up for 90 days. Effect was assessed by comparing the patient outcome to a matched population from the NINDS rt-PA trial placebo patients.

Results: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled (mean age 57years, mean baseline NIHSS 12 and mean treatment time from stroke onset 19h). The observed mortality rate(12.2%), serious adverse events (SAE)incidence(23.5%) and nature of SAE were within the expected range for the population. The modified intention to treat cohort consisted of 84 patients who were compared to matched patients from the NINDS placebo arm. Patients treated with SPG stimulation had an average mRS lower by 0.76 than the historical controls(CMH test p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The implantation procedure and the SPG stimulation, initiated within 24hr from stroke onset, are feasible, safe, and tolerable. The results call for a follow-up randomized trial (funded by BrainsGate; clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT03733236).

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Brain Ischemia* / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia* / therapy
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Ganglia, Parasympathetic / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stroke* / physiopathology
  • Stroke* / therapy

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03733236

Grants and funding

The study was funded by BrainsGate Ltd, Caesarea, Israel (www.brainsgate.com). N.B. and H.C.D. received contracted hourly payments from BrainsGate for service on the ImpACT trials steering committee providing guidance on rigorous trial conduct and design. The institutions of D.K., S.K., D.S., A.C., I.l., N.I., B.G., L.C., A.V., V.P., H.C.D., S.S., A.H., N.B. received payments for study services on the basis of clinical trial contracts with BrainsGate. The study was designed by an Academic Steering Committee and the sponsor, BrainsGate Ltd. Site management and data collection were coordinated by the sponsor. Data analysis and writing of the report were performed by the authors and the sponsor. Neurologische Klinic GmbH provided support in the form of salary for author BG, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific role of this author is articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.