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Evaluation of Safety and Effectiveness of the EMBLOK EPS Compared With No Cerebral Embolic Protection During TAVR

A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of the EMBLOK™ Embolic Protection System Compared With No Cerebral Embolic Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07129421
Acronym
EMBLOK II
Enrollment
560
Registered
2025-08-19
Start date
2025-10-21
Completion date
2027-03-15
Last updated
2025-08-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

AORTIC VALVE DISEASES, Aortic Valve Regurgitation, Aortic Valve Replacement, Aortic Valve Stenosis and/or Insufficiency

Brief summary

The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and performance of the EMBLOK EPS during TAVR by randomized comparison with TAVR without embolic protection (unprotected TAVR). The targeted study population consists of patients meeting FDA-approved indications for TAVR with commercially available transcatheter heart valve systems. This prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will enroll up to a total of 560 subjects undergoing TAVR at up to 40 investigational sites in the United States. All subjects will undergo clinical follow-up (including detailed neurological assessments) in-hospital and at 30 days, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) follow-up at 24 to 36 hours post-procedure.

Detailed description

Embolic stroke remains a major complication for TAVR, resulting in a two-fold increase in 1-year mortality. Embolic protection devices have been developed to filter embolic debris during the procedure, potentially reducing the occurrence of neurologic events associated with TAVR. The EMBLOK EPS may improve on currently available devices by capturing and retrieving debris directed toward all 3 cerebral vessels in the aortic arch as well as the descending aorta. The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and performance of the EMBLOK EPS during TAVR by randomized comparison with TAVR without embolic protection (unprotected TAVR). The targeted study population consists of patients meeting FDA-approved indications for TAVR with commercially available transcatheter heart valve systems. This prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will enroll up to a total of 560 subjects undergoing TAVR at up to 40 investigational sites in the United States. Prior to enrollment of the first randomized subject at each site, each site will enroll 2 Roll-In subjects (up to 80 subjects total), who will not be randomized but will receive the EMBLOK EPS during TAVR. In the randomized cohort, up to 480 subjects meeting eligibility criteria will be randomized 1:1 (stratified by operative risk and study site) to one of two treatment arms: 1. Intervention - EMBLOK EPS during TAVR 2. Control -Unprotected TAVR All subjects will undergo clinical follow-up (including detailed neurological assessments) in-hospital and at 30 days, and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) follow-up at 24 to 36 hours post-procedure.

Interventions

The EMBLOK EPS is intended to capture and remove thrombus/debris while performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures.

Sponsors

Yale Cardiovascular Research Group
CollaboratorOTHER
Emblok, Inc.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

This is a single-blind study. The following individuals will be blinded to the subject's treatment allocation: Site personnel administering neurological evaluations DW-MRI Core Laboratory personnel performing imaging analyses While subjects and their family members will not be blinded, they should not be explicitly informed of their treatment group assignment to minimize the risk of inadvertent unblinding of site personnel administering neurological evaluations.

Intervention model description

Parallel Assignment This prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will enroll up to a total of 560 subjects undergoing TAVR at up to 40 investigational sites in the United States. Prior to enrollment of the first randomized subject at each site, each site will enroll 2 Roll-In subjects (up to 80 subjects total), who will not be randomized but will receive the EMBLOK EPS during TAVR. In the randomized cohort, up to 480 subjects meeting eligibility criteria will be randomized 1:1 (stratified by operative risk and study site) to one of two treatment arms: Intervention - EMBLOK EPS during TAVR Control - Unprotected TAVR

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Clinical Eligibility Criteria: Clinical Inclusion Criteria: Subjects must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for participation in the study: 1. Subject is ≥ 18 years of age. 2. Subject meets FDA approved indications for TAVR using an iliofemoral approach with a commercially approved transcatheter heart valve. 3. Female subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 14 days prior to the index study procedure. 4. Subject agrees to comply with all protocol-specified procedures and assessments. 5. Subject or subject's legal representative signs an IRB/EC approved informed consent form prior to study participation. Clinical

Exclusion criteria

Subjects will be excluded if any of the following criteria apply: 1. Subjects with hepatic failure (Child-Pugh class C). 2. Subjects with hypercoagulable states that cannot be corrected by additional periprocedural heparin. 3. Subjects who have a planned treatment with any other investigational device or procedure during the study period. 4. Subjects planned to undergo any other cardiac surgical or interventional procedure (e.g., concurrent coronary revascularization) during the TAVR procedure or within 10 days prior to the TAVR procedure. NOTE: Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is permitted within 10 days prior to the TAVR procedure. 5. Subject has experienced an acute myocardial infarction (World Health Organization \[WHO\] criteria) within 30 days of the planned index procedure. 6. Subject requires an urgent or emergent TAVR procedure. 7. Subjects with renal failure (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate \[eGFR\] \< 30 mL/min by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease \[MDRD\] formula, or on dialysis). 8. Subject has documented history of stroke or transient ischemic attack within prior 6 months, or any prior stroke with a permanent major disability or deficit (baseline mRS ≥3). 9. Subject has an ejection fraction of 30% or less. 10. Subject has a sensitivity to contrast media that cannot be adequately pre-treated. 11. Subject has known allergy or hypersensitivity to any embolic protection device materials (e.g., nickel-titanium) or allergy to intravascular contrast agents that cannot be pre-medicated. 12. Subject has active endocarditis or an ongoing systemic infection defined as fever with temperature \> 38°C and/ or white blood cell \> 15,000 IU. 13. Subjects undergoing therapeutic thrombolysis. 14. Subject has history of bleeding diathesis or a coagulopathy or contraindications to anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. 15. Subject is known or suspected to be pregnant, or is lactating. 16. Subject has contraindications to cerebral MRI (e.g., body habitus that precludes imaging, claustrophobia, implanted non-MRI compatible permanent pacemaker or defibrillator, metallic clips or fragments). 17. In the investigator's opinion, the subject has other factors that may cause the subject to be non-compliant with the protocol or confound the data interpretation, such as participating in another drug or device clinical study, or other medical illness. General Anatomic

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Primary Efficacy EndpointEvaluated at 72 hours post-procedure (TAVR)The primary efficacy endpoint is neuroprotection efficacy, determined by pair-wise comparisons among all subjects (Finkelstein-Schoenfeld \[FS\] method1) according to the following prespecified hierarchy of adverse outcomes: * Ischemic stroke (disabling or non-disabling) \[evaluated at 72 hours post-procedure\] * Total lesion volume by DW-MRI \[evaluated at 24-36 hours post-procedure\]
Primary Safety EndpointEvaluated at 30-day post-procedure (TAVR) follow-up visitThe primary safety endpoint is Major Adverse Events, defined as the composite of the following components at 30 days: * All-cause mortality * All stroke (disabling and non-disabling) * Acute kidney injury (Stage 3)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Neurological Events (VARC-2 and NeuroARC defined)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.Neurological Events (VARC-2 and NeuroARC defined) * Stroke (subclassified as ischemic, hemorrhagic, or undetermined, and as disabling or non-disabling) * TIA
Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKIN classification)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.]Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKIN classification), subclassified as stage 1, 2, or 3 Acute Kidney Injury (AKIN Classification) * AKI Stage 1 * AKI Stage 2 * AKI Stage 3
Incidence of major vascular complications (VARC-3 defined)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.]Vascular Complications • Major vascular complications
Incidence of life-threatening or disabling bleeding and major bleeding (VARC-2 defined)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.Bleeding Complications (VARC-2 defined) * Life-threatening or disabling bleeding * Major bleeding
Major adverse embolic events (MAEE)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up until 7 days post procedure, which ever occurs first.]Incidence of the composite of all stroke (disabling or non-disabling) and transient ischemic attack (TIA), and Acute Kidney Injury Stage 2 or 3 (including renal replacement therapy), and systemic embolization Major adverse embolic events (MAEE) MAEE will be reported as a composite and components \[evaluated post-procedure and in-hospital\]: * All stroke (disabling and non-disabling) or TIA * Acute kidney injury (Stage 2 or 3, including RRT) * Systemic embolization
Imaging Endpoints: Total volume of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesionsEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Total volume of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesions (TLV) (reported as continuous and categorical measures)
Imaging Endpoints: Total supra-threshold cerebral ischemic lesion volumeEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Total supra-threshold cerebral ischemic lesion volume (reported according to predefined thresholds)
Imaging Endpoints: Presence of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesionsEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Presence of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesions
Imaging Endpoints: Number of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesionsEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Number of new post-procedure cerebral ischemic lesions
Imaging Endpoints: Average new lesion volumeEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Average new lesion volume
Combined Safety and EfficacyEvaluated post-procedure (day 1), in-hospital (defined as 7 days post-procedure or immediately prior to discharge from the index procedure hospitalization, whichever occurs first)Combined safety and efficacy endpoint is defined as a composite of the following VARC-2 defined components, evaluated post-procedure and in-hospital: * All-cause mortality * All stroke (disabling and non-disabling) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) * Acute kidney injury - Stage 2 or 3 (including renal replacement therapy)
Pathology Measures: Debris capture as the average number of captured particles ≥150 µm in diameterEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)Pathology Measures \[assessed post-procedure by an independent Pathology Core Laboratory only in subjects treated with EMBLOK EPS\] • Debris capture, defined as the average number of captured particles ≥150 µm in diameter
Pathology Measures: Gross and histologic evaluation of captured debrisEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)Pathology Measures \[assessed post-procedure by an independent Pathology Core Laboratory only in subjects treated with EMBLOK EPS\] • Gross and histologic evaluation of captured embolic debris, including particle presence, count, size, and composition.
Neurocognitive Measures: NIHSS worseningEvaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.]Neurocognitive Measures • NIHSS worsening (increase of 2 or more from baseline)
Neurocognitive Measures: MoCA worseningEvaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up to 7 days post-procedure, and at the 30 day follow-up visit.]Neurocognitive Measures • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) worsening (decrease of 2 or more from baseline)
Secondary Device Performance Endpoints: Successful device deploymentEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)• Successful device deployment, defined as ability to successfully deliver the device to the site of filter placement and successfully deploy the device.
Secondary Device Performance Endpoints: Successful device positioningEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)• Successful device positioning, defined as ability to position the device and to maintain the device in place for the duration of the TAVR procedure (as assessed by an independent Angiographic Core Laboratory)
Secondary Device Performance Endpoints: Successful device retrievalEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)• Successful device retrieval, defined as ability to retrieve the device intact
Secondary Device Performance Endpoints: Device successEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)• Device success, defined as successful deployment, positioning and retrieval
Secondary Device Performance Endpoints: Procedure successEvaluated at the time of the TAVR procedure (during the intervention/procedure)• Procedure success, defined as device success in the absence of in-hospital embolic protection device-related major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). MACCE is defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, all stroke, and major vascular complications.
Imaging Endpoints: Largest per-subject single lesionEvaluated 24-36 hours post-procedureImaging Endpoints \[assessed 24-36 hours post-procedure by an independent DW-MRI Core Laboratory\] • Largest per-subject single lesion
Mortality (VARC-2 defined)Evaluated immediately after the intervention/procedure, up until discharge from hospital or up until 7 days post procedure, which ever occurs first.Mortality (VARC-2 defined), evaluated in-hospital, defined as All-cause mortality: * Cardiovascular mortality * Non-cardiovascular mortality

Contacts

Primary ContactJeremy Moyer
jeremy@emblok.com610-509-6727

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026