NCT07001852 · Santiago Ortega Gutierrez
EnDOvascular Therapy for Late WiNdow IschEmic Stroke Patients Selected bY AutoMatic Plain ComputErized Tomography
(DONE SYMPLE)
What this study is about
The DONE SYMPLE Investigator-initiated phase III forward-looking, randomly assigned, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, blinded goal measurement-controlled clinical trial.
View original scientific description
The DONE SYMPLE Investigator-initiated phase III prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint-controlled clinical trial. This clinical trial is a global clinical study testing whether a procedure called endovascular therapy, which removes blood clots from blocked brain arteries, can safely benefit more stroke patients when used up to 72 hours after symptoms begin. Endovacular Therapy is already proven to improve recovery in patients treated within 6 hours, but only when advanced imaging like Computed Tomography (CT) perfusion or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is available to guide treatment. Unfortunately, many hospitals, specially in underserved areas, do not have access to this type of imaging. This trial will investigate whether a basic brain scan called non-contrast CT, which is widely available in hospitals around the world, can be used instead. Special software will automatically analyze the CT scan to help doctors decide if a patient has enough brain tissue left to save with Endovascular Therapy. If this simpler approach works, it could expand access to lifesaving stroke care for more people globally. The study will enroll 500 adult stroke patients, ages 18 to 80, with a large vessel blockage in the brain's anterior circulation, moderate to severe stroke symptoms, and who are between 6 and 72 hours from when they were last known to be well. All participants will undergo CT imaging analyzed by the automated software. If the scan shows a small core of already damaged brain tissue and a larger area of threatened but still viable brain, the patient will qualify. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard medical therapy alone or medical therapy plus Endovasculat Therapy which involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel to reach the brain and using a device to remove the clot. This procedure is performed by trained stroke or neurointerventional specialists. The study is "open-label," meaning patients and doctors know which treatment is given, but the assessment of patient recovery will be done by independent reviewers who do not know the group assignments. The primary goal is to determine if patients who receive Endovascular Therapy have better recovery at 90 days, measured by a scale called the modified Rankin Scale, which assesses how much disability a patient has after a stroke. The trial will also look at safety (especially brain bleeding after treatment), size and growth of brain injury on follow-up scans, recovery of strength and language, and overall quality of life and survival. Imaging will be reviewed centrally by a specialized team, and results will be analyzed to see how well Endovascular Therapy performs using this new patient selection method. The DONE SYMPLE Trial is sponsored by Foundacio Ictus in Barcelona Spain and the University of Iowa is the Central Coordinating Center for the Study. It will take place at up to 20 hospitals worldwide. All patients will be followed closely with exams and imaging at specific time points up to 90 days after treatment. If successful, this trial could change stroke care around the world by proving that Endovascular Therapy can be used safely and effectively even without advanced imaging, using tools available in most hospitals. This could help more stroke patients, especially in rural or resource-limited areas, access treatments that may improve their chances of recovery and reduce long-term disability.
Interventions
OTHER
Endovascular Therapy (Mechanical Thrombectomy)
Endovascular therapy performed with CE-approved thrombectomy devices, initiated within 6 to 72 hours after stroke onset in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. The procedure is guided by an automated non-contrast CT detection tool and follows standard device-specific instructions for use.
OTHER
Standard Medical Management
Standard medical management including therapies such as antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, blood pressure control, and general supportive care. Delivered in accordance with institutional guidelines for acute ischemic stroke.
Primary outcome measures
Global Disability at 90 Days
Time frame: 90 days (±14 days)
Global disability will be measured using the disability-weighted modified Rankin Scale (dw-mRS) at 90 days (±14 days) post-stroke. The dw-mRS is a validated tool that captures the severity of post-stroke disability across seven levels, ranging from no symptoms (0) to death (6). This outcome evaluates whether endovascular therapy (EVT) plus medical management results in superior functional outcomes compared to medical management alone in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes treated between 6-72 hours after stroke onset and selected exclusively by automated non-contrast CT imaging.
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
- 18 to 80 years of age:
- Pre-stroke score (mRS) of 0-1 in participants aged 18 to 70 years.
- Pre-stroke Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 in participants older than 70 years.
- Presenting with signs and symptoms consistent with an acute ischemic stroke within 24-72 hours from last known well. \
- Baseline NIHSS ≥8.
- NCCT imaging indicating the existence of an anterior circulation LVO by an automated software, or CTA (when available).
- Core volume ≤ 70 cc determined by a deep learning algorithm in automated software and/or ASPECTS scoring ≥ 6. \*\
- Arterial puncture within 72 hours (after the first symptoms or LKW).
- Arterial puncture within 90 minutes from initial CT.
- Ability to randomize within 72 hours after stroke onset (last seen well).
- Ability to obtain signed informed consent or subject's Legally Authorized representative (LAR) has signed Consent form \*\*\
- Patients in the 6-24-hour after Last Known Well (LKW) may be enrolled only in centers where thrombectomy is not offered as standard of care due to the absence of advanced imaging capabilities.
- In cases of discrepancy between the automated tool LVO detection and volume, and ASPECT Score or CTA judgment or Computed Tomography Angiography CTA findings, ASPECTS and CTA will take precedence.
- If approved by local ethics committee and country regulations, the investigator is allowed to enroll a patient utilizing emergency informed consent procedures if neither the patient nor the representative or person of trust is available to sign the informed consent form. However, as soon as possible, the patient is informed, and his/her consent is requested for the possible continuation of this research.
Exclusion criteria
- Females who are pregnant, or those of child-bearing potential with positive urine or serum beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) test.
- Known severe allergy (more than a rash) to contrast media uncontrolled by medications.
- Refractory hypertension (defined as persistent systolic blood pressure \>185 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \>110 mmHg) despite medication.
- CT evidence of the following conditions:
- Midline shift or herniation.
- Evidence of intracranial hemorrhage.
- Mass effect with effacement of the ventricles.
- Bilateral strokes.
- Clot retrieval previously attempted \<6 hours.
- Treated with thrombolytics \>4.5 hours after last seen well.
- Intracranial tumors.
- Life expectancy less than 90 days prior to stroke onset.
- Participation in another randomized clinical trial that could confound the evaluation of the study.
- Presumed septic embolus, or suspicion of bacterial endocarditis.
- Pre-existing neurological or psychiatric disease that would confound the neurological or functional evaluations, e.g. dementia with prescribed anti-cholinesterase inhibitor (e.g. Aricept).
- Any other condition (in the opinion of the site investigator) that precludes an endovascular procedure or poses a significant hazard to the patient if an endovascular procedure was performed.
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
Collaborators
Fundació Ictus
Related conditions & keywords
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 Oct 16, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations