The doctors, researchers, and therapists in the Stroke Unit are working on various projects to improve stroke diagnosis and treatment. Our participation in several international studies ensures that our patients benefit from state-of-the-art treatment approaches within the high-quality and ethically sound framework of a clinical trial.
The planned randomized controlled MOSES study aims to test the hypothesis in patients with cryptogenic stroke that the blood biomarker MRproANP can be used to identify those patients who would benefit from new oral anticoagulants compared to the current standard therapy (aspirin).
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Prof. Dr. med. Mira Katan
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Susanne.Wegener@usz.ch
Elina Kiessling
Elina.kiessling@usz.ch
Corinne Inauen, M.D.
Corinne.Inauen@usz.ch
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
In the study “Imaging Predictors for Stroke Recovery 2.0 (PREDICT-2),” we aim to use clinical, laboratory, and imaging data collected during routine care to better understand, prevent, and treat stroke. We are developing models that could help us predict how patients will respond to stroke treatment. This is important for selecting the best treatment for each patient.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
A stroke causes significant changes in the blood. In experimental studies, we were able to demonstrate that neutrophils change their shape and structure and block the smallest blood vessels in the brain. This hinders the success of our stroke treatments. In CLOTSAFE, we aim to understand what these inflammatory cells can tell us about stroke risk and the effectiveness of our stroke treatments.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Wegener
Lukas Otto, M.D.
lukasbastian.otto@usz.ch
Swiss Heart Foundation and SAMW
To improve stroke treatments, we need to understand who benefits most from them and who does not. However, it is not easy for the treatment team to predict that. Despite thrombolysis and catheter-assisted removal of the blood clot (thrombectomy), only slightly more than half of the patients make a full recovery. This varies greatly from person to person, and we don’t fully understand the factors that influence it. In the STOP Stroke study, we ask the treatment teams directly: How much do you think this patient will benefit from the treatment, and why? We compare the data and determine which patients have an accurate prognosis and which do not. This will help us better understand the unique effects of our treatments.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Wegener
Laura Westphal, M.D.
Dr. sc. Simone Huber
simone.huber@usz.ch
Kurt and Senta Herrmann Foundation
Through MAGIC, we have partnered with other European stroke centers to collect imaging data and clinical information on risk factors and stroke severity. This large dataset (anonymized and secure) enables studies aimed at improving our understanding of stroke and its treatment. For example, we would like to understand how different people develop various vascular systems that can protect them from stroke. Or which patients benefit particularly well from the treatment.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Wegener
Hakim Baazaoui, M.D.
Koetser Foundation and SAMW
To date, people who are taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for a condition requiring “blood thinning” (anticoagulation) and who suffer a stroke have been excluded from thrombolytic therapy. In the Do-IT study, we are conducting a randomized controlled trial to determine whether these patients might also benefit from lysis therapy.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bern, Dr. Thomas Meinel, M.D., and Prof. David Seiffge, M.D.
Philipp Baumgartner, M.D.
Dr. sc. Simone Huber
SNF
In this study, we are investigating how blood levels of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) correlate with recovery in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who are taking these medications.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bern, Prof. David Seiffge, M.D.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Wegener
Dr. sc. Simone Huber
AstraZeneca (via University Hospital of Bern, Principal Investigator: Prof. David Seiffge)
Through noninvasive imaging, the eye provides a fascinating glimpse into our brain. The blood vessels in the eye reflect our age, our risk factors, and probably our risk of stroke as well. The exam takes only a few minutes. In the ROSE Study (beginning in July 2026), we will systematically use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine patients with vascular risk factors and those who have suffered a stroke to determine whether we can identify high-risk individuals early on through eye examinations—so that we can protect them sooner.
Philipp Baumgartner, M.D.
Annalisa Hauck, M.D.
Iten Kohaut Foundation
A stroke comes as a shock to most of those affected—but also to their loved ones. At CODE QoL Care, we want to understand which concerns and needs are most important to people who have had a stroke and their families. We assess stress using questionnaires and by measuring cortisol levels in a small strand of hair. Our goal is to improve the care we provide to our patients and to involve their families.
Prof. Dr. Susanne Wegener
Anton Schmick, M.D.
Koetser Foundation and Herzog-Egli Foundation
In this study, which we conducted in collaboration with our colleagues in interventional neuroradiology (Prof. Dr. (Dr. Zolt Kulcsar), various methods of catheter-based procedures for the treatment of acute stroke will be examined.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D., and Prof. Zsolt Kulcsar, M.D.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
SNF
A stroke can be caused by atrial fibrillation. EAST-Stroke, a randomized controlled trial, is investigating whether rhythm control in atrial fibrillation can improve the prognosis for stroke patients. This study is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Horizon Europe
A stroke can be “silent” clinically—meaning that areas of brain damage can be detected without the affected individuals having experienced any symptoms. In the SILENT-2 study, such incidental findings from brain imaging are systematically evaluated. In particular, we want to determine whether implanting a cardiac “event recorder” to monitor heart rhythm over the long term can help identify people who might benefit from anticoagulation therapy to prevent recurrent strokes. This study is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology and Neuroradiology.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bern, Dr. Thomas Meinel, M.D.
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Philipp Baumgartner, M.D.
Dr. sc. Simone Huber
SNF, Swiss Heart Foundation, Bangarter Foundation
Atherosclerosis—that is, plaque buildup in the blood vessels of the brain—is a risk factor for stroke. AGELESS is investigating whether a blood marker—lipoprotein A—can be used to identify, among people with plaques in their brain blood vessels, those who are at risk for stroke.
Department of Neurology, St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital, Prof. Dr. Gian Marco De Marchis
Prof. Susanne Wegener, M.D.
Corinne Inauen, M.D.
SNF