RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Flow Patterns and Stent Thrombosis

This research is investigating a serious complication called stent thrombosis, where a blood clot forms inside a stent placed in a heart artery. Researchers want to understand if different patterns of blood flow around the stent can cause these clots. They are using special imaging techniques and computer simulations to rebuild the arteries and study the blood flow. By comparing patients who developed clots with those who didn't, the study hopes to find early warning signs that can predict who might be at higher risk. The ultimate goal is to improve patient care by identifying those who need closer monitoring or different treatments to prevent these clots.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

14 Jul 2026

Stent Thrombosis

What is this study about?

When someone has a blockage in their heart arteries, doctors often use a small mesh tube called a stent to open it up and improve blood flow. Sometimes, a blood clot can form inside this stent, which is called stent thrombosis. This can be very serious.

This study aims to understand why these clots happen. The researchers believe that the way blood flows around the stent might play a big role. Think of it like water flowing in a pipe: if the flow is smooth, everything is fine, but if it's turbulent or has strange patterns, it might cause problems. They are using advanced imaging of the heart arteries and special computer programs to create detailed models of how blood flows after a stent is put in.

By carefully looking at the blood flow patterns in patients who have developed a clot and comparing them to patients who haven't, the researchers hope to find specific signs in the blood flow that could predict who is at risk. This information could be very valuable for doctors to identify patients who might need extra care or different treatments to prevent clots from forming in the future.

Key takeaways

This study tries to understand why blood clots form in heart stents.
It uses past imaging and medical records, so no new tests are needed.
Researchers are looking at blood flow patterns around the stent.
The goal is to find ways to predict who might be at risk of stent clots.
Findings could help improve future patient care and prevention strategies.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of people. One group includes patients who have already had a special type of heart stent procedure called OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, using a specific kind of stent, and have unfortunately experienced a blood clot in their stent afterwards.

The other group is a control group. These are patients who have had the same type of OCT-guided stent procedure with the same kind of stent but have not experienced any blood clots after their procedure. This comparison helps researchers understand the differences between the two groups.

Generally, if you've had a heart stent procedure guided by OCT imaging and are wondering if you fit into one of these groups, it's best to discuss it with your doctor.

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.

Have you had a heart stent put in previously?
Was your stent procedure guided by OCT imaging?
Did you receive a 'second-generation drug-eluting stent'?
Have you either had a blood clot in your stent OR never had one after your stent procedure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means researchers will mainly be looking at information and images that have already been collected as part of your past medical care. You won't be asked to undergo new procedures or take new medications specifically for this study. The researchers will be studying your existing heart artery images (from procedures like angiography and OCT) and medical records. They will then use computer models to understand blood flow. Since this study uses existing information, there are no new visits, assessments, or follow-up appointments required as part of the study itself. The total duration of your 'participation' involves the researchers reviewing your existing data.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study primarily uses information and images that have already been collected as part of your routine medical care, there are no new medical risks associated with taking part. Your identity will be kept confidential. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help doctors better understand and predict stent thrombosis in the future, improving care for many patients. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Queen Mary University of London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a heart stent?

A heart stent is a small mesh tube placed in a narrowed artery to keep it open and allow blood to flow normally.

What is 'stent thrombosis'?

Stent thrombosis is when a blood clot forms inside the heart stent, which can block the artery again and is a serious condition.

What does 'OCT-guided' mean?

OCT stands for Optical Coherence Tomography. It's a special imaging technique used during the stent procedure to get very detailed pictures inside the artery.

Do I need to have new tests for this study?

No, this study uses information and images that were already collected during your previous medical care. You won't have new tests or procedures specifically for the study.

Will this study change my current treatment?

No, this study is about understanding why clots happen, not about changing your treatment. Your current medical care will remain exactly the same.

How to find out more

Christos Bourantas

c.bourantas@qmul.ac.uk +442073777000 Official trial record

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