Research Trials in the Center for Vascular Disease
Researchers in Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Center for Vascular Disease at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute are conducting clinical research trials to learn more about treating vascular disease.
Clinical research trials search for new and better ways to understand and treat disease. Participating in a clinical research trial is an informative learning experience for the volunteer. Please consider volunteering in a clinical research trial as your participation will contribute to important advancements of medical knowledge. The following clinical research trial(s), specific to vascular disease, are currently recruiting volunteers:
SAPPHIRE WW - Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High-Risk for Endarterectomy | |
| Principal Investigator: | |
| Mark K. Eskandari, MD (profile opens in new window) | |
| IRB Project Number: | |
| STU00018716 | |
| Description of Research Trial: | |
This study is enrolling patients who will be undergoing carotid stent supported angioplasty using PRECISE® Stent System and ANGIOGUARD™ XP/RX. This procedure treats a narrowed artery in the neck called the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. This condition has either produced symptoms that include small strokes, or if without symptoms, could cause a future stroke. Carotid stent supported angioplasty is an approved procedure being offered as an alternative to carotid artery surgery for narrowed carotid arteries. Angioplasty (a balloon catheter technique) is an effective method of opening the blood vessels in the heart and legs. A stent is a mettalic device that behaves like a spring to keep the artery open. The devices that will be used are the Cordis PRECISE® Nitinol Stent System and the Cordis ANGIOGUARD™ XP/RX Emboli Capture Guidewire (ECGW). Both of these devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other PRECISE® stents that are approved for use by the FDA in the future may also be used. This study will collect information about the devices in 15,000 patients in North America. Approximately 70 patients will participate at Northwestern University. | |
| Research Trial Contact Information: | |
| For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Eileen McDonald at (312) 695-3410 or e-mail emcdona1@nmh.org | |
A Pivotal Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the Ovation™ Abdominal Stent Graft System | |
| Principal Investigator: | |
| Mark K. Eskandari, MD (profile opens in new window) | |
| IRB Project Number: | |
| STU00024852 | |
| Description of Research Trial: | |
This study is enrolling subjects diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm which requires surgery. This study is designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Ovation™ Abdominal Stent Graft System, an investigational device (not approved by the FDA for general use; can be used only in this research study) used in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart) caused by a weakening in the artery wall. If left untreated, this bulge may continue to grow larger and ultimately rupture (break open), resulting in serious internal bleeding. The information collected from this study will be used to evaluate how well patients do when treated with the Ovation™ Abdominal Stent Graft System (study device) both immediately after surgery and over a long period of time (five years). This research study will be conducted at approximately 40 clinical sites and will enroll up to 150 patients. Up to 30 subjects will be enrolled at Northwestern. | |
| Research Trial Contact Information: | |
| For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Eileen McDonald at (312) 695-3410 or e-mail emcdona1@nmh.org | |
Evaluation of the clinical performance of the Valiant® Thoracic Stent Graft with the Captivia Delivery System for the treament of acute, complicated Type B Aortic Dissections | |
| Principal Investigator: | |
| Mark K. Eskandari, MD (profile opens in new window) | |
| IRB Project Number: | |
| STU00022884 | |
| Description of Research Trial: | |
This research study is looking for individuals to participate in this study who have been diagnosed with an acute complicated Type B aortic dissection. The aorta is a large artery (blood vessel) that carries blood away from your heart to organs in the rest of your body. A dissection is a condition where the inside layer of the aorta tears, allowing blood to enter between the vessel walls. When the blood enters into the walls it cannot reach the organs effectively. If the blood continues to fill the walls, pressure can build-up and the wall of your aorta is in danger of breaking open. The purpose of this research study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational stent graft when used to treat dissections of the descending thoracic aorta. Follow-up will occur at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months and will include a physical exam as well as a CT scan and x-ray of your chest, abdomen and pelvis. "Caution - INVESTIGATIONAL DEVICE. LIMITED BY FEDERAL (OR UNITED STATES) LAW TO INVESTIGATIONAL USE." | |
| Research Trial Contact Information: | |
| For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Michelle Endo, CCRP at (312) 695-2928 or e-mail mendo@nmh.org | |
The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study (The LIFE Study) | |
| Principal Investigator: | |
| Mary McGrae McDermott, MD (profile opens in new window) | |
| IRB Project Number: | |
| STU00020824 | |
| Description of Research Trial: | |
We are seeking participants 70 to 89 years old who do not engage in regular exercise or physical activity and experience some difficulty with balance and mobility. The purpose of this research study is to determine whether regular exercise and physical activity helps prevent mobility loss later in life. Participants will be assigned to either a Physical Activity Program or Healthy Aging classes. Participants in the Physical Activity Program will work an exercise trainer during exercise classes twice weekly. Participants in the Healthy Aging Program will attend weekly lectures on topics related to aging. Transportation may be available; costs of transportation or parking reimbursed; monetary compensation is available for completing testing. | |
| Research Trial Contact Information: | |
| For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Kasia Kadela at (312) 503-3324 or e-mail katarzynakadela2007@u.northwestern.edu | |
