Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Heparin Anti-Xa Activity From Central Venous Catheter Samples Using a 5 mL Syringe Flush or a Vacuum Tube Flush Versus Peripheral Vein Samples in ICU Patients

The goal is to investigate whether blood samples drawn from a central venous catheter can provide reliable measurements of unfractionated heparin (UFH) anti-Xa activity, compared to the standard method of peripheral vein puncture, in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving continuous intravenous UFH. To evaluate the reliability of central venous blood sampling, the study will compare anti-Xa activity levels obtained simultaneously from two different types of blood draws: one from a peripheral vein (reference method), and the other from the central line using one of two flushing techniques. The two central flushing techniques being studied are: * A 5 mL syringe flush performed over 5 seconds, followed by blood collection. * A vacuum tube flush that draws and discards 5 mL of blood, followed by blood collection. Each patient will undergo four pairs of simultaneous blood draws, using both central techniques in a randomized sequence. The main objective is to assess whether the anti-Xa levels from central samples are equivalent to those from peripheral vein puncture, with a predefined margin of equivalence of ±0.05 IU/mL. Findings from this study may support the use of central venous catheters for routine anti-Xa monitoring in ICU patients, potentially avoiding painful or technically difficult peripheral vein punctures.

Prospective Observational Pilot Study of LMWH Versus UFH as ECMO Anticoagulation in Lung Transplantation

The aim of this observational pilot study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) as anticoagulation in perioperative ECMO during bilateral lung transplantation. The main question this study seeks to answer is: Does LMWH provide a safe and effective alternative to UFH for ECMO anticoagulation in lung transplantation, with reduced bleeding and thrombotic complications? Patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation with perioperative veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO support will be assigned to one of two anticoagulation strategies: UFH group: Standard UFH anticoagulation monitored using ROTEM. LMWH group: Enoxaparin-based anticoagulation monitored using ROTEM. The study will assess perioperative blood loss, hemoglobin levels, transfusion needs, and thrombotic events. Additional analyses will include coagulation profile assessments using point-of-care (POC) tests, thrombin generation test (TGT), and laboratory coagulation parameters.

Storytelling for Reducing Gap in Anticoagulation Use in African Americans With Atrial Fibrillation

The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a previously developed storytelling intervention on anticoagulation (AC) initiation/persistence in African American and Black patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter. The investigators hope to gain knowledge that may help treat atrial fibrillation or flutter and lower stroke and adverse cardiovascular event risks for African American and Black patients by increasing the use of blood thinning medications known as anticoagulants.

Caudal Analgesia & Anticoagulated Patient

Caudal analgesia is an effective intervention for lumbosacral pain. Some chronic pain patients take anticoagulants for vasculopathy treatment. Anticoagulation limits the use of caudal analgesia because of the risk of epidural bleeding. Caudal analgesia may be safe and effective in anticoagulated chronic pain patients. Quantitative analysis of prospective clinical data. Evaluation of caudal analgesia efficacy and safety in anticoagulated chronic pain patients. Analysis of outcome, and complications.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for AF Patients Unable to Use Oral Anticoagulation Therapy

Up to 5% of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) patients may have or develop contraindications to use oral anticoagulation (OAC). Randomized controlled trial (RCT) data suggest that Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) may provide a non-inferior alternative for cardioembolic stroke protection in patients tolerant to OAC. However, RCT data for LAAO is lacking in patients with contra-indications to OAC using antiplatelet (APT) or no therapy as usual care. The hypothesis underlying this trial is to demonstrate that LAAO is superior to usual care for the prevention of stroke.

TRanEXamic Acid to Decrease Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Individuals Anticoagulated for Venous Thromboembolism Pilot Study

T-REX HMB is a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to assess the feasibility of a full trial comparing tranexamic acid (TXA) to placebo in decreasing HMB in premenopausal individuals anticoagulated for VTE. Strong data supports TXA as an effective and safe agent at decreasing HMB in the general population, but its use in those with VTE has been limited by a lack of data for its efficacy in anticoagulated individuals and theoretical concerns of its prothrombotic effects.