SAIL-MEVO: Endovascular Treatment Versus Best Medical Therapy for Distal Vessel Occlusions

Patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by distal or medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) may experience significant disability despite receiving the current standard medical treatment. Although endovascular treatment (EVT) is an established therapy for large vessel occlusions, its benefit in MeVO stroke remains uncertain. The SAIL-MEVO trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate whether EVT combined with best medical therapy improves functional outcomes compared with best medical therapy alone in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke due to MeVO. Eligible participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either best medical therapy alone or best medical therapy plus EVT using a standardized stepwise approach consisting of aspiration thrombectomy (ADAPT) followed, when necessary, by the SAIL technique (stent retriever-assisted intra-arterial lysis). The primary objective is to determine whether EVT increases the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 90 days after stroke. Secondary objectives include assessment of neurological recovery, infarct volume, quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, safety, and procedural outcomes.