Chuanjie Wu, PhD | Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University; Chuanhui Li, PhD; Chengbei Hou, PhD; Xuehong Chu, MD; Wanwan Zhang, MD; Erlan Yu, MD
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Awardee Year: 2024
Despite high revascularization success rates (>80%) in acute ischemic stroke, particularly large vessel occlusion, over half of patients experience poor outcomes. Bridging this gap remains crucial. Intra-arterial targeted temperature management (TTM) offers promising neuroprotection, addressing limitations of previous therapeutic hypothermia studies (systemic side effects, ineffective cooling, and lack of revascularization consideration). Post-revascularization, intra-arterial TTM effectively reduces brain temperature while preserving core body temperature. Our research introduces a novel approach: an autologous blood-based TTM device for safe, precise cooling, combined with a novel porous, flexible catheter incorporating micro-scale hollow nanospheres to enhance heat exchange. Multi-scale simulations will evaluate the catheter’s thermal and mechanical properties. This synergistic approach aims to achieve safe and effective brain-targeted cooling post-revascularization in severe stroke, potentially improving patient outcomes and offering a new treatment strategy.