At Oklahoma Heart Institute, we don’t believe it’s enough to simply keep up with the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. We prefer to lead the way. That’s why the hospital’s Cardiovascular Research Center participates in a variety of important research studies designed to bring new treatments to patients sooner. With ongoing studies and clinical trials evaluating treatments for many conditions including blocked blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, Oklahoma Heart Institute – and our patients – are at the forefront of innovation.
Currently Enrolling Studies (Inpatient)
The XIENCE V study will follow patients who have had a cardiac catheterization and angioplasty and received the Xience V everolimus drug eluting stent over a five-year period. The Xience stent is already FDA approved and is coated with a drug called everolimus, which is designed to prevent a recurrence of blockage in the coronary artery.
Oklahoma Heart Institute’s SPIRIT small vessel clinical trial will examine the effects of the 2.25mm Xience drug eluting stent for small coronary arteries in patients who have had a cardiac catheterization and angioplasty. Patients will receive a follow-up cardiac cath at eight months and regular follow-up for five years.
In Oklahoma Heart Institute’s TIMI-50 trial, patients who have recently had a heart attack, stroke, or have peripheral vascular disease (such as blockages in leg arteries) may receive a new anti-clotting drug called a Thrombin Receptor Antagonist (TRA) or standard anti-clotting drugs. Patients are followed for one year to determine if they have any problems with bleeding, heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events.
The TRACER trial will follow patients who have acute coronary syndrome. Participants may receive a new anti-clotting drug called a Thrombin Receptor Antagonist (TRA) or standard anti-clotting drugs. Patients are followed for one year to determine if they have any problems with bleeding, heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events.
The SATURN trial compares the effects of Rosuvastatin or Atorvastatin for two years to determine their impact on the progression of atherosclerosis in high risk patients. Patients undergo a cardiac catheterization to evaluate the coronary artery for blockage using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).
The BALANCE study will examine the effectiveness of a new drug known as Lixivaptan in reducing excess fluid levels in heart failure patients with low blood sodium. Lixivaptan or placebo is given while the patient is hospitalized. Patients continue the medication and are followed for 60 days.
The ASCEND heart failure trial will evaluate whether Natrecor, a medication used to treat heart failure patients with shortness of breath, is more effective in treating hospitalized patients than standard therapies. Patients are followed for six months and evaluated for re-hospitalization, improvement of heart failure symptoms, and other cardiovascular measurements.
Patients with chronic heart failure often also have anemia (low red blood cell count). The RED heart failure trial evaluates whether the drug Darbopoetin alpha lowers the risk of hospital admission or death due to worsening heart failure compared to standard care.
The DETERMINE study will evaluate patients who have had a recent heart attack with a Cardiac MRI. MRI results are evaluated for scarring (EF > 35% and infarct mass >15%) and patients may receive an implanted defibrillator or standard heart care.
In the BLOCK heart failure study, patients who receive a pacemaker (InSync III) may be assigned to have right ventricular pacing or biventricular pacing. The study is to determine if biventricular pacing can slow the progression of heart failure in patients with mild to moderate heart failure symptoms and a need for a pacemaker. Follow-up is ongoing for at least two years.
The CLEAR study will provide patients with a pacemaker different programming parameters to determine which pacing mode is better for activities of daily living. Patients are followed for 12 months and perform six-minute walks and quality of life evaluations.
Ongoing & Enrolling Research Studies (Outpatient)
The PRECISION study will examine the heart safety of three commonly used drugs to treat arthritis. Patients 55 years old with cardiovascular disease (or at high risk) and arthritis will receive Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen.
The TOPCAT clinical trial will evaluate the use of Spironolactone in preventing progression of left ventricular heart failure in patients with ejection fractions of greater than 45 percent. The trial is sponsored by the New England Research Institute.
The ALTITUDE trial will treat Type 2 diabetics who are at risk of further vascular disease with Aliskiren (a rennin inhibitor) in an effort to measure reduction of heart and kidney disease events.
The TRILOGY study will examine two anti-clot drugs (Prasugrel and Clopidogrel) in patients with unstable angina or heart attack without EKG evidence (non-ST elevation). Patients must have been medically managed without surgery or angioplasty for their episode.
The ASTRIDE trial studies the safety and efficacy of Aliskerin in patients with diabetes and stage 2 hypertension. Patients will receive Aliskiren or Amlodipine and will be evaluated for eight weeks.
The BOREALIS trial for patients with atrial fibrillation will compare warfarin with a new drug (Biotinylated Idraparinux) given weekly for the prevention of stroke or other clotting events.
The C-MARK (Cardiac MRI Acquisition in Real Kids) study will follow 100 children ages 7 to 11 years (pre-puberty) with an annual MRI until adulthood in an effort to establish normal cardiac measurements and functions for children.
The MRI – Pacemaker/ICD study will focus on patients in need of MRI for cardiac care who also have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator. The study will follow the short-term function of the device for safety.
Studies with Enrollment Completed & Follow-up Only
The PLATO study is a trial designed to compare the effectiveness of AZD-6140, an investigational antiplatelet medication, to Plavix in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Study results will be announced in 2009.
The MADIT-CRT study evaluates the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy in NYHA Class II (milder) congestive heart failure in patients with ejection fraction of 30% or less.
The CLOSURE trial examines the Starflex closure device compared to medication (Warfarin or aspirin) for treatment of PFO in patients with one TIA or CVA .