RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Next Leap in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging:Cycling the Field

Scientists in Aberdeen are working on a new type of MRI scan called Fast Field-Cycling MRI. They've built the only two prototypes in the world! This study focuses on adapting this special scanner to take very detailed pictures of the heart. The main goal is to create a special device, like a snug blanket for the heart, to work with this new scanner. They want to see if it can produce clear heart images in people. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how healthy hearts look on this new scan and, importantly, how hearts look after a heart attack. This could lead to better ways of checking heart health in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Aug 2020

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Myocardial Infarction

What is this study about?

Imagine getting a super-detailed picture of your heart, so clear it can show tiny changes that regular scans might miss. That's what scientists in Aberdeen are trying to achieve with a new type of MRI scanner. They've developed a very special kind of MRI called Fast Field-Cycling MRI, which uses a clever trick to get more information from inside the body than standard MRI scanners.

This study is all about making this new, more powerful scanner work specifically for looking at the heart. Think of it like building a special camera lens just for taking heart pictures. The researchers are creating a new part for the scanner, called a 'coil,' that will fit around your chest and help get the best possible images of your heart. They also need to teach the scanner how to take these specific heart pictures, especially while your heart is beating.

Ultimately, they want to observe what healthy hearts look like using this new scanning method. Then, they want to compare those images to hearts that have previously had a heart attack. By carefully studying these differences, they hope to uncover new clues about how heart tissue changes after an event like a heart attack. This research could open doors to earlier and more detailed understandings of heart health, potentially leading to better care in the future.

Key takeaways

Researchers are developing a new, more detailed heart scanner.
This new scanner could give unique insights into heart tissue.
The study compares healthy hearts to those after a heart attack.
Participation involves special heart scans, ECG, and echocardiogram.
Your involvement helps advance heart health knowledge for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult willing to understand and sign a consent form. They are looking for two main groups of people: healthy volunteers who have never had a heart attack, and patients who have been diagnosed with a heart attack in the past.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you feel very anxious in small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) or if you have certain medical devices inside your body, like a pacemaker, that aren't safe for an MRI scan. Pregnancy also means you cannot take part.

Lastly, if your body shape or size makes it difficult to fit comfortably into the scanner, or if you have kidney problems that prevent you from having certain dyes used in scans, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you come in as a 'healthy volunteer' but doctors discover you've had an undiagnosed heart attack or another heart condition during the scan, you wouldn't be included in the healthy group.

Quick self-check

Are you an adult willing to give your permission?
Do you get very anxious in small, enclosed spaces?
Do you have any metal implants or medical devices like a pacemaker?
Have you been diagnosed with a heart attack in the past, or consider yourself generally healthy?
Are you currently pregnant?
Do you have any severe kidney problems?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

The study involves undergoing a special type of heart scan called an MRI, along with an electrocardiogram (ECG) which checks your heart's electrical activity, and an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of your heart. You'll likely have these tests at a single visit to the research centre. The total duration of your participation in the study, including all tests, would be within that one visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, as it's an early-stage research project. However, by participating, you'll be contributing to important scientific discoveries that could lead to better ways to diagnose and understand heart conditions for people in the future. The risks involved are similar to a standard MRI scan, such as feeling enclosed in the scanner or, for some, receiving a special dye to help with the scan if your kidneys are healthy enough. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Cardiovascular Research Facility
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, without using X-rays.

What is a 'coil' in this study?

It's like a special antenna or blanket that fits around your chest during the scan. It helps the new MRI machine get very clear pictures of your heart.

Will I feel anything different with this new MRI?

You might notice some different sounds during the scan compared to a regular MRI, but the core experience of lying still inside the scanner will be similar.

Why is it important to study hearts after a heart attack?

Understanding how heart tissue changes after a heart attack can help doctors develop better ways to check on recovery and predict future heart health problems.

Will I get results from my heart scan?

The focus of this study is research, not providing individual medical diagnoses. However, if anything unexpected or concerning is found during your scan, the study doctors would inform you and your GP.

How to find out more

James Ross, PhD

james.ross@abdn.ac.uk 01224437832 Official trial record

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