Evaluation of patients with total coronary occlusions with multimodality image.
This research study is for people who have a completely blocked artery in their heart, a condition known as a Chronic Total Occlusion. Doctors want to understand if different heart scans, like MRI and CT scans, can help them get a clearer picture of what's happening inside the heart. This involves looking at the heart muscle's health (called 'viability') and checking for reduced blood flow (called 'ischemia') to help decide the best way to treat these blockages. The study will also track how patients respond to their usual care and monitor for any side effects. It's designed to improve how we care for people with these specific heart problems.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your heart has a very important job, pumping blood all around your body. To do this, it needs its own good supply of blood, delivered through special tubes called coronary arteries. Sometimes, one of these arteries can get completely blocked, like a pipe that's totally furred up. This is called a 'Chronic Total Occlusion' (often shortened to CTO).
This study is looking at people who have a CTO. Doctors want to use advanced scanning techniques, like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans, to get a really detailed look at the heart. They're particularly interested in two things: first, checking if the heart muscle around the blockage is still healthy and alive (this is called 'viability'), and second, seeing if parts of the heart muscle aren't getting enough blood (this is called 'ischemia'). Understanding these things can help doctors decide if surgery or other treatments to unblock the artery would be helpful, or if another approach is better.
The main goal is to see if these detailed scans can give doctors better information than they currently have. By using these imaging techniques, the hope is to make sure that each patient with a CTO gets the most effective and safest treatment plan tailored to their specific situation, ultimately improving their heart health.
Key takeaways
- The study focuses on completely blocked heart arteries (CTOs).
- It uses advanced MRI and CT scans to assess heart health.
- The goal is to improve treatment decisions for patients.
- Participation involves routine scans and follow-up over six months.
- Anyone 18 or older with a CTO may be eligible.
- The study aims to enhance understanding of heart conditions.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to both men and women who are at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, so older adults can also take part.
To be eligible, you must have a completely blocked heart artery, known as a 'Chronic Total Occlusion'. This means that the blood flow through that specific artery has been completely stopped for some time.
Your doctor will be able to tell you if you meet all the specific criteria for this study, as there might be other medical details they need to check to make sure the study is right for you.
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Do you have a completely blocked heart artery (Chronic Total Occlusion)?
- Are you able to undergo MRI and CT scans?
- Are you comfortable with receiving injectable medications during scans?
- Are you willing to participate for approximately six months?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve a few steps over time. You would have some special heart scans using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). These scans are part of your routine medical care for your heart condition, and the study will use the information gathered from them. You might also receive some medication injections during these scans, such as Eufilina, Clariscan, or Rapiscan, which help improve the quality of the images or check how your heart is working.
You would have an initial set of scans, and then another MRI scan about six months later. Throughout the study, doctors will also keep a close eye on any health changes or side effects you experience, which they call 'adverse events'. The total duration of your participation would be around six months, following up after your initial evaluations.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
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Common questions
What is a 'Chronic Total Occlusion'?
It's when a main artery supplying blood to your heart becomes completely blocked, similar to a pipe being fully clogged.
Why are doctors using different scans?
They want to get a very detailed picture of your heart muscle and blood flow to help decide the best treatment for your blocked artery.
Are the medications safe?
The medicines used are standard for these types of scans and your doctor will explain any potential, usually minor, side effects.
How long will I be in the study?
Your participation will generally last for about six months, involving initial evaluations and a follow-up scan.
Will this study change my usual treatment?
The goal is to gather more information to potentially improve treatment decisions, but your standard care will continue during this time.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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