The RACECAT trial aims to evaluate if direct transfer to an Endovascular Stroke Center, compared to transfer to the closest Local Stroke Center, offers a better outcome in the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke patients with clinically suspected Large Vessel Occlusion identified by Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The RACECAT is a prospective, multicenter, cluster randomized controlled, usual care conditions, open, blinded-endpoint trial of acute stroke patients with suspected acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) identified by emergency medical services at first assistance on the field using the RACE scale. A RACE scale equal or higher than 5 (high suspiction of LVO) is the main inclusion criteria. Two strategies will be compared: 1) Transfer to the closest local stroke center vs. 2) Direct transfer to an endovascular stroke center.

The RACECAT trial is performed in the entire regions of Catalonia and started in March 2017. Nowadays more than 1000 patients have been recuited.

To see more details visit clinicaltrials.gov and watch the summary video.