Testing inhaled gas to protect the brain during stroke treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT05871606 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether inhaled nitric oxide () can help protect brain tissue when given to stroke patients during emergency thrombectomy — a procedure that removes blood clots from brain arteries. The medication works by relaxing blood vessels in the affected brain area, allowing more blood to flow to tissue at risk of permanent damage. Researchers hope this will reduce the amount of permanent brain damage and improve recovery.

When someone has a stroke, there is a window of time where brain tissue is damaged but not yet permanently lost — this is the critical area researchers want to protect. While emergency procedures can restore blood flow, reperfusion itself can cause additional injury. This medication may help preserve at-risk tissue and minimize harm during this delicate recovery window.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have had an acute ischemic stroke (non-bleeding) with moderate to severe symptoms
your stroke was discovered within 16 hours of starting emergency treatment
imaging shows a blood clot in a major brain artery that can be treated with thrombectomy
imaging shows you have a specific pattern of brain tissue damage and at-risk tissue that makes you suitable for this treatment
you were independent or only mildly dependent before your stroke

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very low or very high blood pressure that cannot be controlled with medication
you have bleeding on your brain scan or a brain mass
you have severe bleeding disorders or are taking certain blood thinners with poor kidney function
you have a severe allergic reaction to contrast dye used in imaging
you have kidney disease (very low kidney function), very low hemoglobin, blood sugar below 50 or above 400, or other serious medical conditions that would make participation unsafe

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you would receive the medication as an inhaled gas while you are under general anesthesia during your emergency thrombectomy procedure. The treatment involves breathing in different doses of the gas (ranging from 20 to 80 parts per million) during and after your stroke procedure. You would be monitored carefully by the medical team, and researchers would track your recovery over time to see if the treatment helps protect your brain and improve your outcome.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 16, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina