Coronary Artery Disease in Hearts Donated for Transplantation
Every year, many donated hearts can't be used for transplants, partly because doctors believe they have blocked arteries, a condition called coronary artery disease. This study aims to check if some of these hearts are actually healthy enough to be transplanted. Currently, doctors visually check the arteries, but this new study will use a special X-ray test called angiography to get a more detailed look. If successful, this research could mean more donated hearts are found to be suitable, helping more patients with heart failure get the life-saving transplants they need. It also aims to reduce the risks associated with transplants.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone needs a new heart, it's a race against time, and unfortunately, there aren't always enough donated hearts to go around. A big reason for this is that many donated hearts are turned down. Sometimes, this happens because doctors think the heart's arteries might be blocked, a condition known as coronary artery disease. They currently check this by looking at and feeling the arteries during the donation process.
However, this study wants to see if this visual check might be too strict. We're going to take some of these hearts that were declined due to suspected blocked arteries and do a more detailed X-ray test called coronary angiography. This test will give us a much clearer picture of the arteries to see if they are truly blocked or if they are actually healthy enough for a transplant.
The main idea is to understand if our current way of checking donor hearts is missing opportunities. If we find that many of these hearts are, in fact, healthy, it could mean more hearts become available for people waiting for a transplant. This research is a step towards making heart transplants safer and increasing the number of hearts available to help patients with serious heart conditions.
Key takeaways
- Many donated hearts are currently turned down due to suspected blocked arteries.
- This study will use a detailed X-ray test to re-examine these hearts.
- The goal is to increase the number of available hearts for transplant.
- It aims to make heart transplants safer by improving how we assess donor hearts.
- This research does not involve living patients, only donated hearts.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for hearts that have been donated for transplant but were turned down by the Harefield Hospital team. Specifically, it includes hearts that doctors decided not to use because they looked or felt like they had blocked arteries.
Hearts cannot be included in the study if the donor's family did not agree for the heart to be used for research. Also, practical difficulties, like problems with arranging the tests or transport, would mean a heart couldn't be included.
The donor must have been between 16 and 80 years old, male or female.
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.
- Is the heart donated for transplant?
- Was it collected by the Harefield Hospital team?
- Was it seen as unsuitable for transplant because of visible or feelable blocked arteries?
- Has the donor's family agreed for research use?
- Was the donor aged between 16 and 80?
- Are there no practical issues preventing its inclusion?
What does participation involve?
This study does not involve patients directly. Instead, it involves donated hearts that have already been retrieved. The hearts that meet the study criteria will undergo a special X-ray test called coronary angiography at Harefield Hospital. This test will give doctors a detailed view of the heart's arteries. There are no visits, medication, or follow-up required from individuals. This process is expected to take about 36 months to complete, studying roughly 10 donated hearts per year that fit the criteria.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the purpose of this study?
To see if more donated hearts could be used for transplant by doing a more detailed check for blocked arteries.
Who is involved in the study?
The study involves donated hearts that were initially thought to have blocked arteries and couldn't be used for transplant.
Will this study help people needing a heart transplant?
Yes, if successful, it could mean more hearts become available for transplant in the future.
How will the donated hearts be checked?
They will have a special X-ray test called coronary angiography to get a very clear picture of their arteries.
Is this study safe?
Yes, there are no direct risks to patients, as it involves hearts that have already been donated and are not being used for transplant.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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