AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Sevoflurane vs. propofol for general Anesthesia in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endoVascular treatmEnt (SAVE trial)

This study, called the SAVE trial, is for people who have had a severe type of stroke called an acute ischaemic stroke. These patients need a special procedure to remove a blood clot from their brain. During this procedure, patients will receive one of two common anaesthetics: sevoflurane or propofol. Researchers want to see which anaesthetic leads to less brain damage after the procedure. They will measure the amount of brain damage using a special MRI scan a few days later. The study is trying to confirm if one anaesthetic is better than the other in protecting the brain during this critical time.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Fundacio Institut De Recerca De L'Hospital De La Santa Creu I Sant Pau

Enrolment target

330

Start

07 Apr 2026

Acute ischemic stroke

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at how different types of anaesthesia affect recovery for people who have had a specific type of stroke. This type of stroke, called an acute ischaemic stroke, happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. When this happens, doctors sometimes perform an urgent procedure to remove the clot and restore blood flow.

During this important procedure, patients need to be given a general anaesthetic to make them unconscious and prevent pain. This study is comparing two common anaesthetics, sevoflurane and propofol. Both are widely used and considered safe, but researchers want to know if one might be better at protecting the brain from further damage during and after the procedure.

The main aim of the study is to see if one of these anaesthetics leads to less brain damage. They will measure this by taking a special type of MRI scan of the brain a few days after the procedure. This scan helps doctors see if there's any new damage or if the original damage has spread. The results will help doctors decide which anaesthetic might be the best choice for stroke patients having this type of procedure in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares two general anaesthetics for stroke patients.
It aims to see if one protects the brain better during a clot-removal procedure.
You'll receive either sevoflurane or propofol randomly.
Brain damage will be checked with an MRI scan a few days later.
The study is for adults (18+) who have had an acute ischaemic stroke.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. The study is open to both men and women.

More detailed checks will be done by the study team to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you to participate. These checks will include looking at your general health and the specifics of your stroke.

Since this study involves a specific type of stroke treatment, patients will generally be identified quickly after their stroke and before they have their procedure.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had an acute ischaemic stroke?
Are you being considered for a procedure to remove a blood clot from your brain?
Are you able to have an MRI scan a few days after your procedure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, you will receive either sevoflurane or propofol as part of your general anaesthesia during your stroke procedure. You won't get to choose which one you receive; it will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. After your procedure, you will have a special MRI scan called a FLAIR sequence about three days later (give or take a day).

There might be other standard medical checks, blood tests, or questionnaires as part of your usual stroke care, but the main extra step for this study is the specific MRI scan. The total time you'd be actively involved in the study's specific procedures would be limited to the anaesthesia during your stroke treatment and then a follow-up MRI scan within a few days. The study team will explain everything in detail.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit if one of the anaesthetics proves to be better at protecting the brain, though there's no guarantee you will personally benefit. Both anaesthetics are routinely used and considered safe, but like all medical procedures, there are potential risks associated with general anaesthesia, which your medical team will discuss. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Spain

Common questions

What is an acute ischaemic stroke?

It's a type of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to part of your brain.

What are sevoflurane and propofol?

They are both common medicines used to put you to sleep (general anaesthetic) for medical procedures.

Will I get to choose which anaesthetic I receive?

No, it will be decided randomly, much like drawing straws, to keep the study fair.

What is an MRI scan for this study?

It's a special type of scan that uses magnets to create detailed pictures of your brain, helping doctors see any damage.

How long will I be in the study?

Your direct participation involves the anaesthesia during your procedure and then a follow-up MRI scan around three days later.