Randomised EValuation of Therapies for microvAscuLar Injury in STEACS – REVITALISE Study
The REVITALISE Study is a research project designed for individuals who have experienced a very serious type of heart attack called a STEMI. When you have a STEMI, part of your heart muscle is damaged because blood flow is blocked. Doctors usually open the blocked artery with a procedure called primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). This study aims to find out if giving one of two specific medications, Adenosine or Tirofiban, shortly after PPCI can help improve how well the heart pumps blood. Researchers will measure heart function using ultrasound scans at different times to see if these medicines make a difference. The goal is to explore new ways to protect the heart after a heart attack.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a severe heart attack (called a STEMI), it means that a major blood vessel supplying the heart muscle is completely blocked. Doctors act quickly to unblock this artery, usually by a procedure called primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), which often involves putting a small tube (stent) into the artery to keep it open. Even after the main blockage is cleared, sometimes tiny blood vessels in the heart can still be damaged, which can affect how well the heart recovers.
The REVITALISE Study is looking into new ways to help the heart heal better after this life-saving procedure. Researchers are testing two medications, Adenosine and Tirofiban, to see if they can help protect these tiny blood vessels and improve overall heart function. These medications are not new, but this study is specifically looking at how they might benefit people immediately after a STEMI and PPCI.
The main thing the researchers want to find out is whether these medicines can improve how strongly the heart pumps blood six months after a heart attack. They will compare heart scans done shortly after the procedure with scans done six months later. All the assessments will be done without the medical team knowing which treatment a patient received, to ensure the results are as fair and accurate as possible.
Key takeaways
- This study is for people who have recently had a serious heart attack (STEMI).
- It aims to see if two specific medications can improve heart recovery.
- Heart function will be checked with ultrasound scans (echocardiograms).
- Participation lasts for six months after your heart attack.
- The study assesses potential benefits and risks of the medications.
- Your medical team won't know which treatment you receive during the study.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 years and older, regardless of their gender. To be considered for the study, you must have recently experienced a very serious type of heart attack known as a STEMI.
There might be other specific health conditions or medications that would mean this study isn't right for you. These will be discussed in detail by the study team.
If you're interested in taking part, the study doctor will go through your full medical history to make sure that joining the study would be safe and appropriate for you.
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 18 years old or older?
- Have you recently experienced a STEMI heart attack?
- Are you able to attend follow-up appointments and scans?
- Do you want to contribute to research on heart attack recovery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the REVITALISE Study, you would be randomly assigned to receive one of the two study medications or a standard treatment. This is like flipping a coin, so neither you nor your doctor can choose which treatment you get. You would receive the medication shortly after your procedure to unblock your heart artery.
You would have heart scans, called echocardiograms, which are like ultrasound scans of your heart. These scans would be done within a few days of your heart attack and again six months later. These scans help doctors see how well your heart is working. You would also have regular check-ups to monitor your health and any side effects. The total duration of your active participation, including follow-up, would be for six months after your heart attack.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
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Common questions
What is a STEMI?
STEMI stands for ST-elevated myocardial infarction, which is a very serious type of heart attack where a major artery supplying the heart is completely blocked.
What is PPCI?
PPCI stands for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. It's a procedure to quickly unblock a heart artery, often by using a balloon and placing a small tube called a stent.
Are the medications new?
The medications (Adenosine and Tirofiban) are not new drugs, but this study is investigating their specific use and effectiveness in people who have just had a STEMI.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, showing how well it's pumping.
Will I know which treatment I'm receiving?
No, you will be randomly assigned to a treatment group, and neither you nor the doctors assessing your heart will know which medication you received until the study is over. This helps keep the study fair.
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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