Clinical Research Directory

FFR-Guided Revascularization in Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

For patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, the results of randomized controlled trials published in recent years have failed to demonstrate that renal artery stenting is superior to optimal medical therapy. However, these studies still have limitations. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been extensively studied in coronary artery disease, and it has been established that FFR-guided revascularization is superior to both angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention and medical therapy alone. Whether FFR can guide interventional treatment in patients with renal artery stenosis and hypertension is currently a hot topic in the field of renal artery stenosis research. Eligible patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pharmacologically induced FFR values were measured as the baseline. Patients with FFR ≥ 0.8 were randomly assigned to either the medical therapy group or the stenting group, while patients with FFR \< 0.8 underwent stent implantation. Changes in eGFR, 24-hour systolic blood pressure, and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 months were compared among the groups.

AGECTO Study: PCI vs. Optimal Medical Therapy for CTO in the Octogenarian Patients

The study compares an interventional strategy (PCI) with optimal medical therapy (OMT) in ultra-octogenarians with chronic total occlusions (CTO). Results suggest that successful PCI leads to significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared to OMT alone. While initially carrying higher procedural risks, CTO-PCI is considered feasible and safe in experienced centers. There is also potential for long-term benefits in survival and a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The choice between treatments depends on an individual risk-benefit assessment, considering the patient's overall condition.

Dietary Supplements in Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Improving the Quality of Healthcare Delivery.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Prevention of CAD by targeting modifiable factors remains a key public health priority. L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C - Vit. C) and Omega 3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic / Docosahexaenoic Acid (EPO/DHA), powerful but also necessary antioxidants for the human body, after observational studies as well as randomized studies seem to have a beneficial effect in the direction of the prevention of CVD with pleiotropic mechanisms. Lignin, a polymer of plant origin that is considered a dietary fiber, has a developed porous structure and can retain exogenous and endogenous toxins, and pathogenic microorganisms. Lactulose considered a prebiotic provides a selective substrate for the metabolism of saccharolytic bacteria with bifidogenic activity and multiple benefits to the host's gut health. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an established surgical intervention and treatment of symptoms of myocardial ischemia that improves patient survival Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) after coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) as described in current clinical practice could be made even better by the addition of these beneficial food supplements. A randomized controlled trial is proposed in an intervention group of 54 post-CABG patients who will be given daily orally in addition to the usual medication, 1000 mg Vitamin C, 840 mg EPO/DHA, 2130 mg Lignin \& 720 mg Lactulose and a control group of 54 patients (Control Group) in which only usual medication will be administered. The intervention will take place from the 15th postoperative day when CAGB patients are discharged and lasts for 2.5 months (10 weeks) postoperatively. The data will be collected on the 15th, 80-90th postop day in 6 months and 12 months postop and then the statistical analysis of the data will be performed. Considering the number of CABG surgeries performed electively in our clinic, this study is expected to be completed in approximately 2-3 years from the day of initiation. The expected knowledge through the expected results such as these will emerge from this study is the potentially beneficial effect of our food supplements administration (intervention), i.e. Vitamin C, EPO/DHA, Lignin \& Lactulose, on the postoperative course of our patients. Some degree of improvement in the well-being and clinical picture of our patients postoperatively is expected, which will be thoroughly investigated in each phase of the study.

CCTA Improves Clinical Management of Stable Chest Pain

The investigator aims to prospectively enroll patients who were referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for the assessment of stable chest pain (SCP) suspected of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent CCTA according to established guidelines and local institutional protocols. The imaging data were evaluated using different image post-processing software to comprehensively analyse anatomical, functional and histological information of coronary. This study will determine if CCTA-based imaging evaluation can provide more informaton to improve clinical management for SCP, including fewer MACE and better decision-making of downstream investigations and therapeutic interventions.