Clinical Research Directory

AVEIR DR Coverage With Evidence Development (CED) Study

The purpose of this coverage with evidence development (CED) study is to evaluate complications and long-term health outcomes of the dual chamber Aveir Leadless Pacemaker device (aka Aveir™ DR LP system).

Aveir VR Coverage With Evidence Development Post-Approval Study

The purpose of this coverage with evidence development (CED) study is to evaluate complications and long-term health outcomes of the single-chamber Aveir Single-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker device (Aveir VR LP).

Sympathetic Activity in Post-injury Outcomes: Impact on Sleep and caRdiovascular Health InvesTigation

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the long-term health of United States military service members who were injured during combat. The main questions it aims to examine are: * How does the severity of a combat injury impact 1) cardiovascular risk, 2) the sympathetic nervous system and arrhythmias, 3) blood pressure, and 4) sleep disorders? * Are self-reported mental health symptoms related to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular risk in combat-injured service members? This study will recruit from a sample of participants in another research study called the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project (WWRP) who 1) agreed to be contacted about future research studies and 2) have a record of a combat injury within the Injury Severity Score ranges required for this study. Participants will: * Provide demographic information and a medical history review * Visit a local laboratory for biometrics measurements and to provide blood and urine samples * Wear an ambulatory electrocardiogram monitor for 24 hours per day for seven consecutive days * Wear a home sleep test monitoring device for one night * Wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 consecutive hours on the day after the home sleep test At the end of the study, participants will be asked to mail back the home sleep test and blood pressure monitors. Prepaid package materials will be provided.

Finerenone's Impact on Cardiac Electrical Stability in HFpEF

To evaluate the efficacy of finerenone in reducing the incidence of any electrical instability or arrhythmias in the form of new-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AFF), atrial tachycardia, extrasystoles (premature atrial and ventricular contractions, PACs and PVCs, respectively), ventricular arrhythmias, bradycardia, in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who are in sinus rhythm.

PLAI-AF Trial: Hybrid Endo-epicardial Partial Left Atrial Isolation vs. Endocardial Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

In patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), current clinical guidelines recommend ablation for rhythm control. While percutaneous ablation has good results in patients with paroxysmal AF, it is not clear which is the best technique in patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF. Our group performed the first randomized study of thoracoscopic epicardial ablation vs. endocardial catheter ablation (FAST Trial), which showed better results for epicardial ablation but with a higher rate of complications. Hybrid epicardial and endocardial ablation strategies have recently been described sequentially, showing better results in patients with persistent AF, but 40% of patients are still refractory to ablation. Our study aims to compare the conventional strategy (catheter ablation) with partial electrical isolation of the left atrium endo-epicardially (pulmonary veins, posterior wall and left atrial appendage) in a single procedure in the group of patients most refractory to ablation. Likewise, using magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography to analyze the atrial remodeling factors that can predict the success and failure of both therapies. Methodology: A 1:1 randomized clinical trial in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF in two groups: conventional ablation vs. partial endo-epicardial isolation. Prior to ablation, cardioversion will be performed and functionality and atrial size will be verified by echocardiography, delayed-enhancement / 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), andelectrocardiographic imaging (ECGi) will detect the degree of fibrosis and atrial remodeling. During the ablation procedure, a continuous rhythm recording device will be implanted. Likewise, at three months the MRI will be repeated to detect post-ablation fibrosis. At six months the echocardiography will be performed to assess atrial function and size. AF recurence will be assessed using an internal loop recorder within a 1-year follow-up. Main Expected Results: The expected results include: 1. an improvement in the rate of patients with no atrial arrhythmias recurrence in patients undergoing endo-epicardial ablation; 2. a lower AF burden in patients undergoing endo-epicardial ablation who have had recurrence; 3. To know the degree of atrial remodeling (including atrial fibrosis) associated with the success/failure of each technique; 4. To know the degree of fibrosis that both techniques produce; 5. To know the degree of ventricular function associated with the success/failure of each technique; 6. To know the degree of potentially lost atrial function; 7. To Compare the safety of both techniques

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety Profile of Understudied Drugs Administered to Children Per Standard of Care (POPS)

The study investigators are interested in learning more about how drugs, that are given to children by their health care provider, act in the bodies of children and young adults in hopes to find the most safe and effective dose for children. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the PK of understudied drugs currently being administered to children per SOC as prescribed by their treating provider.

Parasternal Intercostal Plane Catheter for Pain Control After CABG Surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery performed via sternotomy (incision of the breastbone) can cause severe pain after surgery; this can slow recovery and increase the need for opioid pain relievers. This study investigates whether placing a catheter to deliver a local anesthetic to the superficial parasternal intercostal plane reduces pain following this type of heart surgery. Patients undergoing CABG via sternotomy will be randomly assigned to either the catheter-based analgesia group or the standard pain management group. The researchers will compare postoperative pain levels and analgesic medication requirements between the two groups to determine whether this technique improves postoperative pain control.

A Usability Study of a Multi-channel ECG Monitoring Device

This study it to evaluate the usability of the WearLinq eWave patch in a general adult population.

The PIVATAL Study -Study of Ventricular Arrhythmia (VTA) Ablation in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Patients

To investigate the effect of VTA ablation at the time of LVAD implant to see if it can reduce the incidence of VTA after surgery

The PAtients pResenTing With COngenital HeaRt DIseAse Register (ARTORIA-R)

Advances in surgical and medical care have led to improved outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). As a consequence, the majority of patients nowadays survives to adulthood (adults with CHD, that is, adult CHD \[ACHD\]) with good quality of life. Despite the surgical success, the morbidity and mortality of ACHD is higher than in the general population and is linked to the development of heart failure (HF) in adulthood. HF occurs in approximately 25% of patients with ACHD, even in those patients in whom the congenital mal-formation has been corrected successfully in childhood. The time course and presentation are heterogeneous owing to variable congenital malformation and limitation of treatment options. ACHD with an anatomic right ventricle as the systemic ventricle (e.g., atrial switch operation in patients with transposition of the great arteries \[TGAs\]) and those with a functional single ventricle (e.g., Fontan circulation) appear to be at higher risk of developing HF. Young age at initial corrective surgery-often in the first 2 years of life-and lack of specific medical therapies can contribute to a high and early demand for heart transplantation in patients with ACHD.

Tailored MgSO4 Supplementation to Reduce Complications in Pediatric Heart Surgery

Lay Summary This study tests two ways of measuring blood magnesium after heart surgery. Children who need heart surgery may have heart and kidney problems after surgery. The right amount of magnesium in blood reduces this risk. This study will test the best way to measure magnesium. This will let doctors choose the right dose of MgSO4. MgSO4 is a magnesium supplement. Taking MgSO4 after heart surgery helps children. For each child, it is best to personalize MgSO4 dose. This is based on the amount of magnesium in blood. This study will test two ways of personalizing MgSO4 dose. In the blood, there are two kinds of magnesium. Usually, blood magnesium tests measure both forms together. This does not say anything about active magnesium. This study will measure the two forms separately. Then, MgSO4 will be given based on either the active or whole magnesium. Measuring active magnesium is good. Active magnesium levels change faster than total. That means active magnesium tests may better protect children. Also, active magnesium has more of an impact on heart and kidney function. Focusing on the active form will help these organs stay healthy. To test how well the MgSO4 is working, heart and kidneys will be examined. After surgery, certain harmful heart rhythms can occur. The types and number of harmful rhythms will be studied. Kidney problems can also happen after heart surgery. Kidney health will be studied. To help understand how active magnesium works, further tests will be done. These tests will look for evidence of poor health in the cells that make up the heart, kidney, and blood.

Aveir VR Real-World Evidence Post-Approval Study

The purpose of this post-approval study is to evaluate the long-term safety of the single-chamber Aveir VR leadless pacemaker using real-world evidence methods.

Aveir DR Real-World Evidence Post-Approval Study

The purpose of this post-approval study is to evaluate the long-term safety of the dual-chamber Aveir DR leadless pacemaker using real-world evidence methods.

Remote ECG Monitoring Post TAVI

The DRAGON TAVI study is a multicenter, prospective, open, randomised trial, which will enrol 250 patients, randomized 1:1 to the study group (continuous 30-day ECG monitoring with visits triggered by ECG findings) and standard care (ie. control group, which will receive the standard post op 24-48h ECG monitoring and a regular follow-up visit with standard ECG within 30 days). The duration of the study is 12 months ± 1 month.

Prolonged Continuous ECG Monitoring Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Patients with severe aortic stenosis candidates for a TAVI procedure harbor a high burden of silent arrhythmic events. Pre-procedural detection of such arrhythmias should help the investigators to implement specific therapeutic measures that may improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalization length post-TAVI.

Validation of PET Questionnaire for Experience and Sustainability in Telemedicine. PET(Patient Experience in Telehealth)

Background: Telemedicine adoption has expanded rapidly in recent years, creating new opportunities for access to care, particularly for frail patients or those with mobility limitations. However, the large-scale deployment of remote healthcare services has highlighted the lack of validated instruments to systematically and multidimensionally assess patients' subjective experience. Patient experience is recognized as a key indicator of quality of care, with direct implications for treatment adherence, appropriate use of digital health technologies, and the effectiveness of organizational care models. Rationale: No instruments have been specifically validated in Italy to measure patient experience in telemedicine. In response, the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPG IRCCS) developed, through a co-design process involving expert patients and healthcare professionals, the Patient Experience in Telehealth questionnaire (PET). The tool was designed to capture not only overall satisfaction, but also relational, informational, and organizational domains, as well as perceived economic and environmental impact. Objectives: The primary objective is psychometric validation of PET, assessing reliability and validity (construct, convergent, and discriminant). Secondary objectives include evaluating the perceived impact of telemedicine on care organization, patient-borne costs, and the environment, and exploring differences according to sociodemographic variables. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will administer PET to at least 200 adult patients who received one or more telemedicine services at FPG IRCCS within the preceding three months. Content validity will be assessed by an expert panel. Descriptive analyses, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability testing will be performed. A subgroup will complete a test-retest assessment after 7-14 days. Hypothesis: PET is expected to demonstrate satisfactory psychometric properties, discriminate across different levels of patient experience, and capture the perceived organizational, economic, and environmental impacts of telemedicine in healthcare delivery.

Pharmacy-led Transitions of Care Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence

Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations with multiple chronic conditions have high rates of nonadherence to essential chronic disease medications after hospital discharge. Medication nonadherence after hospital discharge is significantly associated with increased mortality and higher rates of readmissions and costs among these patients. Major patient-reported barriers to essential medication use after hospital discharge among low-income individuals are related to social determinants of health (SDOH) and include: 1) financial barriers , 2) transportation barriers, and 3) system-level barriers. Although, medication therapy management services are important during care transitions, these services have not proven effective in improving medication adherence after hospital discharge, highlighting a critical need for innovative interventions. The Medication Affordability, Accessibility, and Availability in Care Transitions (Med AAAction) Study will test the effectiveness of a pharmacy-led care transitions intervention versus usual care through a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of 388 Medicaid and uninsured hospital in-patients with MCC from three large healthcare systems in Tennessee. The intervention will involve: 1) medications with zero copay, 2) bedside delivery then home delivery of medications, and 3) care coordination provided by certified pharmacy technicians/health coaches to assist with medication access, medication reconciliation, and rapid and ongoing primary care follow-up. We will examine the impact of the intervention during 12 months on 1) medication adherence (primary outcome) and 2) rapid primary care follow-up, 30-day readmissions, hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and costs. We will conduct key informant interviews to understand patient experience with the acre received during and after care transitions. By examining effectiveness of the intervention on outcomes including medication adherence, health care utilization, costs, and patient experience, this study will provide valuable results to health systems, payers, and policymakers to assist in future implementation and sustainability of the intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Advancing Health Information Exchange (HIE) During Inter-hospital Transfer (IHT) to Improve Patient Outcomes

Sub-optimal transfer of clinical information during inter-hospital transfer (IHT, the transfer of patients between acute care hospitals) is common and can lead to patient harm. To address this problem, the investigators will use key stakeholder input to refine and implement an interoperable health information exchange platform that integrates with the electronic health record and improves the reliability of and access to necessary clinical information in three use cases involving transfer of patients between sending and receiving hospitals with varying levels of affiliation and health record integration. The investigators will assess the effect of this intervention on frequency of medical errors, evaluate the use and usability of this platform from the perspective of those that interact with it, and use these results to develop a dissemination plan to spread implementation and use of this platform across other similar institutions.

Smartwatch Paroxysmal Arrhythmia Detection Compared with Holter

The lifetime risk for development of atrial fibrillation, the commonest sustained arrhythmia in adults, is estimated to be 24%-27% for individuals of 40 years or older. Previous work showed that annual new diagnosis of AF is 11000-26000 in Hong Kong. Other arrhythmia such as supraventricular arrhythmia or premature beats were also common and of clinical significance. 12-lead ECG is a first line investigation for patients with suspected paroxysmal arrhythmia, but it has a low diagnostic yield with its 10-30 seconds recordings. 24-hour Holter exam is the usual next step of diagnosis. The diagnostic yield of Holter varies according to indication but is generally low at 1%-12%. This is because paroxysmal arrhythmia may not happen every day. In addition, even if arrhythmia is picked up in Holter, patient may not register the symptom, making the symptom arrhythmia correlation problematic. Despite limitations, the demand for Holter exam is still high. In Prince of Wales Hospital, a tertiary referral centre with a catchment of about 1 million populations, the waiting time for a routine Holter exam is 3 years. Smartwatch has gained popularity over past years as an adjunct to smartphone. Latest generations of smartwatch were equipped with wearer-initiated ECG rhythm strip recording capabilities. Smartwatch has evolved to become a health tracker with arrhythmia detection capabilities. It was found to be a useful tool for atrial fibrillation screening in general population. Other arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia, premature beats, and abnormal ECG patterns associated with sudden cardiac death could also be detected with smartwatch ECG recordings. Apple Heart study was the largest study utilizing smartwatch for arrhythmia detection. The general population was screened for atrial fibrillation using irregular pulse algorithm. The study found a 84% concordance rate between irregular pulse notification and ECG patches. Therefore, investigators propose to conduct a study to compare its diagnostic yield with Holter, in patients with suspected arrhythmia and see if smartwatch recording following a systematic protocol for four-weeks will have better arrhythmia diagnosis yield than a 24-hour Holter exam.

Epicardial Access Study With Rook

The goal of this clinical trial is to test how how effective the Circa Scientific Rook® Epicardial Access Kit is at gaining guidewire access to the outside surface of the heart (epicardium). In addition the safety of the device will be compared to the available data for alternative methods of epicardial access. Participants will receive treatment with the subject device during the course of a typical epicardial electrophysiology procedure.

Efficacy of Gamification With Escape-Room for Arrhythmia Identification in Critical Patients

Introduction: Health education provided through the escape-room is still a recent approach in educational methodology and tends to be a strategy that benefits nursing students, particularly in gaining knowledge and skills. However, few studies have explored the use of both in-person and virtual escape-room as an educational methodology in nursing. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the gamification strategy through the in-person escape-room model compared to the virtual model in enhancing cognitive and affective competencies for recognizing cardiac arrhythmias in critical care patients within the nursing field. Method: A randomized clinical trial to be conducted with nursing students from higher education institutions in the Federal District, Brazil. Students will undergo a theoretical class on cardiac arrhythmias in critical patients and will then be randomized to experience either the in-person or virtual escape-room scenario. Knowledge tests, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, Satisfaction and Self-confidence Scale in nursing management learning, and perceived gains will be administered pre and post-intervention. Results with p≤0.05 will be considered significant. Expected Results: It is anticipated that this study will contribute to the enhancement and broadening of cognitive and affective competencies in nursing students, improving the quality of care through an active educational strategy like the escape-room, and consequently reducing costs for the Unified Health System by minimizing errors in recognizing clinical changes in critical patients. Additionally, the study aims to address gaps in understanding the use of educational escape-rooms in the field of nursing.

Clinical Predictors of Short Term Outcomes of Ablation of Idiopathic Monomorphic PVCs

Clinical predictors of successful Pvcs ablation

Remote Symptom Review in Patients With Implantable Diagnostic Holter

To study the clinical and organizational benefit of implementing a methodology for monitoring patients receiving an implantable diagnostic BIOMONITOR III holter and successive models, consisting of remote review of alerts sent by the device via the HOME MONITORING remote monitoring platform and the transmission of relevant patient symptoms through the use of a specific application installable on the patient's phone. The efficiency of this methodology will be compared with a control group consisting of monitoring through the usual clinical practice of the hospital.

iPSC Biobank of Biomarkers Diversity in Cardiovascular Disease

The Investigators will create a clinical database and a Biobank of stem cells derived from the blood of participants with cardiovascular disease. The Investigators will recruit participants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds with equal representation from both sexes. The Investigators expect to create stem cells and analyze the blood for protein biomarkers and genetic causes of cardiovascular disease. The stem cell biobank and clinical data will be a powerful tool for studying cardiovascular disease.