NCT06872684 · Stryker Neurovascular
Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms With Surpass Elite With GUARDian Flow Diverter (GUARD)
(GUARD)
What this study is about
The objective of the Safety and effectiveness of Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with Surpass Elite with GUARDian Flow Diverter (GUARD) trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Surpass Elite with Guardian Flow Diverter System (FDS) in the treatment of unruptured, wide-neck saccular or fusiform, intracranial aneurysms (IAs) located on the internal carotid artery (ICA) or its branches.
View original scientific description
The objective of the Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with Surpass Elite with GUARDian Flow Diverter (GUARD) trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Surpass Elite with Guardian Flow Diverter System (FDS) in the treatment of unruptured, wide-neck saccular or fusiform, intracranial aneurysms (IAs) located on the internal carotid artery (ICA) or its branches.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age is ≥18 and ≤80 years at the time of consent
- Has a single unruptured target intracranial aneurysm (IA) of any size with the following characteristics:
- Is located on the internal carotid artery or its branches
- Has a wide neck (wide neck typically defined as neck width ≥ 4 millimeter (mm), or dome to neck ratio ≤ 2.0) or no discernible neck
- Aneurysm is either saccular or fusiform in nature
- Has a parent vessel diameter ≥ 3.0 mm to ≤ 6.0 mm at the largest diameter
- There is documented risk-benefit of endovascular treatment that outweighs the risks of intracranial aneurysm rupture during the subject's expected lifetime if left untreated.
Exclusion criteria
- Has an extradural target aneurysm
- Has a target aneurysm in the posterior circulation
- Perforator or branch vessel, inclusive of the posterior communicating artery, arises from the target aneurysm body or neck (branches or arteries must arise or connect from the parent vessel separate from the aneurysm or neck to not be excluded from trial)
- Has a true bifurcation aneurysm, defined as an aneurysm (saccular or non-saccular) located at a point of vessel bifurcation
- Has vessel characteristics, such as severe tortuosity (cavernous Internal Carotid Artery (cICA) Type IV1), stenosis (\>70%), or morphology that would preclude safe endovascular access or proper deployment of the trial device to the target aneurysm
- Received previous treatment for the target aneurysm or parent artery where it would interfere with the placement or proper apposition of the device
- Has a medical contraindication to trial or procedure related antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix, ticagrelor, and heparin), local or general anesthesia, or life-threatening allergy to contrast dye
- Has a known severe allergy to nickel, chromium cobalt, tungsten, or platinum
- Patients with heparin hypersensitivity, including patients with a previous incident of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
- Modified Rankin Score (mRS) assessment is ≥ 3 at pre-procedure exam
- Presence of unstable neurological deficit (i.e., worsening of clinical condition in the last 30 days prior to the index procedure)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred within 30 days prior to the index procedure
- Major surgery (including previous intracranial implant) either occurred within 30 days prior to the index procedure date or is planned to occur within 120 days following the index procedure date
- Has more than one intracranial aneurysm (IA) that requires treatment within 12 months after the index procedure
- Received previous intracranial implant associated with the symptomatic or vascular distribution within the past 84 days prior to treatment date
- Chronic anticoagulation therapy is ongoing or known coagulopathy exists
- Has atrial fibrillation with or without pacemaker.
- Has other known serious concurrent medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease (including recent myocardial infarction \[\<12 weeks\], symptomatic congestive heart failure, or carotid stenosis), kidney failure (\>2.0 mg/dl serum creatinine), pulmonary disease, uncontrolled diabetes, progressive neurologic disorders, terminal cancer, vasculitis, high risk of ischemic stroke or recent stroke
- Has acute life-threatening illness (e.g., acute kidney or heart failure) other than the neurological disease to be treated in this trial
- Evidence of active infection at the time of treatment
- Life expectancy is less than 5 years due to other illness or condition (in addition to an intracranial aneurysm)
- Unable to comply with the trial follow up requirements due to conditions such as dementia or psychiatric problems, active substance abuse, or history of non-compliance with medical advice, as determined by the investigator
- Pregnant or breast- feeding women or women who wish to become pregnant during the length of trial participation
- Presence of intracranial mass (tumor, except meningioma, abscess, or other infection), non-treated arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the territory of the target aneurysm
- Enrollment in another study involving an investigational product that could confound the outcomes of this trial
Where
- Tucson, Arizona
- Davis, California
- Palo Alto, California
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Burlington, Massachusetts
- New York, New York
- Stony Brook, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Portland, Oregon
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations