RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Developing Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Tools to Predict Vascular Disease Risk and Progression

This research project, called VASCULAID-RETRO, is all about using clever computer programs, known as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to better understand and predict serious blood vessel conditions. Specifically, it's looking at abdominal aortic aneurysms (a bulging in the main artery in the tummy) and peripheral arterial disease (blocked arteries in the legs). The aim is to create AI tools that can predict if someone is at high risk of a heart-related event or if their condition is likely to get worse. To do this, researchers will analyse health information, including scans and medical history, from many thousands of patients who have already been treated. This is a "retrospective" study, meaning no new interventions or treatments are given; it's about learning from past data.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc

Enrolment target

11,000

Start

31 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

01 May 2029

Aneurysm Abdominal Peripheral Arterial Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to predict who might be at a higher risk of developing health problems, or whose existing condition might get worse. That's exactly what this research aims to do for two important blood vessel conditions: abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). An AAA is a weakening and bulge in the body's main artery in the tummy, which can be very serious if it bursts. PAD means the arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow and leading to pain or more severe problems.

Currently, it's often hard for doctors to tell which patients with these conditions will experience future heart-related events or see their condition progress. This project, called VASCULAID-RETRO, hopes to change that by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI allows computers to analyse vast amounts of existing patient data, including medical scans (like ultrasound and MRI), medical history, and other health information, to spot patterns that human doctors might miss. These patterns can then help predict future health outcomes.

Essentially, the research team is building and training these AI tools to become powerful predictors. They're looking at records from thousands of patients with AAA and PAD to teach the AI what to look for. The hope is that, in the future, these advanced AI tools could help doctors make more informed decisions about patient care, potentially leading to earlier interventions and better health outcomes for people living with these conditions.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI to predict risks for serious blood vessel conditions.
It focuses on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and blocked leg arteries (PAD).
Researchers are analysing existing patient records, not studying new patients.
The goal is to help doctors better understand and predict how these conditions might progress.
There are no direct risks or interventions for patients whose data is used.
The findings could lead to better future care for people with these conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at existing patient records, so you wouldn't directly "join" in the traditional sense. However, the information used in the study comes from records of people who previously met certain criteria.

To be included, patients would have been between 40 and 90 years old with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This includes different types of AAA, even if they had surgery or an aneurysm rupture. It also includes patients between 40 and 90 years old with any stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Records of patients with aneurysms in other parts of the body, such as the chest (thoracic aneurysms), would not be included in this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 90 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of any type or stage?
Have you been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of any stage?
Do you *not* have an aneurysm only in your chest (thoracic) or upper tummy (thoracoabdominal)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a bit different from many others because it's a "retrospective" study, meaning researchers are looking at information that has already been collected about patients in the past. This means that if your data is used, you won't need to do anything at all. You won't attend any clinic visits, undergo any new assessments, take any medication, or have any follow-up appointments related to this research project. Your involvement would be completely passive, as it uses anonymised or securely accessed existing data from your medical records.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to patients whose data is used in this study, as no new treatments or tests are involved. All patient information is handled with strict privacy and security measures to protect your confidentiality. The potential benefits are for future patients: by developing better AI tools, doctors may one day be able to predict and manage serious conditions like aneurysms and blocked arteries more effectively. As this is not a clinical trial where individuals receive an intervention, the concept of withdrawing from a specific treatment arm doesn't apply; however, all data used is handled ethically and with appropriate consents where required.

Locations (6)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS)
Verified postcode
Helsinki, Finland· Recruiting
Asklepios kliniken hamburg
Verified postcode
Hamburg, Germany· Recruiting
Amsterdam UMC
Verified postcode
Amsterdam, Netherlands· Recruiting
University Hospital Center of São João
Verified postcode
Porto, Portugal· Recruiting
University Clinical Centre of Serbia
Verified postcode
Belgrade, Serbia· Recruiting
Oxford University Hospitals
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an "abdominal aortic aneurysm"?

It's a bulge or weak spot in the body's main artery (the aorta) located in your tummy. It can be very serious if it bursts.

What is "peripheral arterial disease"?

This is when the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, usually by fatty deposits, reducing blood flow.

What does "retrospective study" mean?

It means the researchers are looking back at data that has already been collected from patients in the past, rather than collecting new information directly from people now.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, patient information is always handled with strict confidentiality and security protocols. Researchers only access data in ways that protect your privacy.

Will this study offer me a new treatment?

No, this study doesn't involve any new treatments or interventions for patients. It's about developing tools that could potentially help future patient care.

How to find out more

Kak Khee Yeung, MD, PhD

k.yeung@amsterdamumc.nl +31 6 14278725 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.