Clinical Research Directory

Interventional Ventricular Assist System for PCI in CHIP Patients

In patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD), determining the optimal revascularization strategy (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a challenge. These high-risk patients pose an extreme surgical risk. However, with the development of new interventional techniques and materials, PCI is a good alternative to CABG and is referred to as complex high-risk indicated PCI (CHIP). During CHIP, hemodynamics can deteriorate because of temporary complete coronary occlusion or profound myocardial ischemia. This could result in loss of cardiac output and hemodynamics collapse. Mechanical support during CHIP facilitates native cardiac function by achieving a stable hemodynamic state to withstand repetitive derangements such as ischemia caused by prolonged and repeated balloon inflations, and resume original cardiac function immediately postprocedure or shortly thereafter. There are several mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems available, i.e., intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP), Impella, TandemHeart, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). These MCS have been widely studied in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock and showed conflicting results. However, studies regarding the use of MCS in the setting of CHIP are much less abundant and no randomized study has compared Impella with VA-ECMO in CHIP patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of interventional ventricular assist system (CorVad) compared to the venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) system in providing circulatory support for complicated and high-risk patient with indications for PCI.

Interventional Left Ventricular Assist System for PCI in CHIP Patients

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a life-sustaining therapy first introduced in the 1950s. After six decades of development, it now serves as a critical bridge therapy for patients with acute cardiac events and end-stage heart failure. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS), a key MCS modality, has advanced rapidly in recent years. In China, pMCS adoption has accelerated significantly, evidenced by year-over-year growth in both specialized centers and clinical cases, alongside continuous technological refinement. Common pMCS devices include: Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), Axial flow pump systems (e.g., Impella®), Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). However, no randomized study has compared Impella with VA-ECMO in CHIP patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of interventional left ventricular assist system (VADLINK) compared to the VA-ECMO in providing circulatory support for complicated and high-risk patient with indications for PCI.

Trial of Low-intensity Anticoagulation to Reduce GI or Other Bleeding Complications With Equivalent Therapeutic Efficacy in HeartMate 3 LVAD Patients

The TARGET trial is a prospective, single-center, randomized, open-label, active-controlled inequality clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-intensity anticoagulation therapy (target INR 1.5-2.0) compared to standard anticoagulation therapy (target INR 2.0-3.0) in patients receiving a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of HeartMate 3 LVAD in reducing thromboembolic complications, standard anticoagulation treatment guidelines recommend maintaining an INR between 2.0 and 3.0, which can lead to a substantial risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Preliminary studies, such as MAGENTUM 1, have indicated potential safety and reduced bleeding events at lower INR targets (1.5-1.9). However, robust evidence through randomized controlled trials is still required. The primary objective of the TARGET trial is to determine if low-intensity anticoagulation therapy significantly reduces the incidence of major bleeding and thrombotic events compared to standard therapy within 6 months post-randomization. Secondary objectives include evaluating the safety and hematological complications associated with low-intensity anticoagulation. The study will enroll adult patients aged ≥19 years who have been stably maintained on standard INR therapy (2.0-3.0) for at least 30 days post-HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: the low-intensity INR group (target INR 1.5-2.0) and the standard INR group (target INR 2.0-3.0). Randomization will be stratified based on the presence of atrial fibrillation. The primary endpoint is a composite of hemocompatibility-related events, including major bleeding, stroke, and pump thrombosis, occurring within 6 months after randomization, as defined by INTERMACS criteria. Secondary endpoints encompass clinical outcomes such as all-cause mortality, cardiac death, LVAD-related thromboembolic events, stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, major bleeding incidents, and the rate and number of LVAD-related hospital readmissions and reoperations. Additionally, INR management outcomes, including time in therapeutic range (TTR) and frequency of warfarin dose adjustments, will be assessed. The trial duration is approximately 36 months, including a 24-month enrollment period, a 6-month follow-up period for each participant, and time allocated for data analysis and reporting. Safety will be rigorously monitored by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) and Clinical Events Committee (CEC), ensuring participant safety and data integrity throughout the study. This trial aims to provide critical insights that could optimize anticoagulation strategies in LVAD patients, potentially improving patient safety by reducing bleeding risks without compromising thrombotic event protection.