Northwestern University Home
Feinberg School Home
MissionsAbout the SchoolAdmissionsDepartmentsInformation For:Resources

Home > BCVI-CTU > Current Research > Heart Valve Disease > Listing

Welcome
Contact Us
Current Research Trials
CTU Team
Employment Opportunities
Information for Patients
Information for Investigators and Coordinators
Information for Sponsors
Research Links


Research Trials in the Center for Heart Valve Disease

Researchers in Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Center for Heart Valve Disease at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute are conducting clinical research trials to learn more about treating heart valve disease. The following clinical research trials, specific to heart valve disease, are currently recruiting volunteers.

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.


 
Name of Research Trial:The PARTNER Trial: Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valves Trial
Principal Investigator:Patrick McCarthy, MD
Charles Davidson, MD
IRB Project Number:STU00001119
Description of Research Trial:

This study is looking for participants with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve resulting in the obstructed passage of blood) who are considered high risk candidates for conventional (standard) open-heart surgery.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Edwards SAPIEN™ Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV).  The THV is intended to treat patients who are at high operative risk for traditional aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery.  The standard medical treatments generally available to non-surgical patients with aortic stenosis may temporarily alleviate symptoms, but will not cure aortic stenosis permanently.  The THV is an investigational device, which means the valve is being studied and not for sale commercially.  Data is being collected on the valve for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Edwards SAPIEN™ THV is a prosthetic heart valve, meaning that it is an artificial device, made to replace diseased aortic heart valves.  The valve consists of a stent (made of stainless steel) to hold the device in its intended position and valve leaflets (made of biological material derived from cows) to direct the flow of blood in the heart.  The implantation of the valve does not require open-heart surgery and can be done in a catheterization laboratory (as used for balloon angioplasty procedures) by a transfemoral approach (through the leg) or transapical approach (through an incision in the chest to access the heart directly).

Participation in this study will last for a minimum of 5 years with at least 7 follow-up visits, which occur at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH).

Research Trial Contact Information:For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Kerry Madden, RN at (312) 695-1806 or e-mail kerry-madden@northwestern.edu

 
Name of Research Trial:Serial Assessment of Left Ventricular Volumes and Mass by Three Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease
Principal Investigator:Vera H. Rigolin, MD
IRB Project Number:414-010
Description of Research Trial:This research study is looking for patients with heart valve disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the heart chambers by using a new echocardiography technique (3D echocardiography). Echocardiography (echo for short) is a safe and painless way of evaluating heart function that cardiologists have been using for many years. Images generated from the new 3D echo technique contain more information about the structure of the heart, which will help us better understand the changes that occur in the heart as a result of leaking heart valves. Eligible participants for this study include those with moderate or severe leaking of the heart valves. Participation in this study will include outpatient visits for echocardiograms every 6-12 months. Outpatient echocardiograms will be performed more frequently if participants require surgery to correct the valve problem.
Research Trial Contact Information:For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Dr. Vera Rigolin at (312) 926-6314


­

 




 

676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60611-2969

Feinberg School Home  |  Web Resources  | Web Policies 

     Northwestern Home  |  Calendar: Plan-It Purple  |  Sites A-Z  |  Search  
 
 World Wide Web Disclaimer  and  University Policy Statements  © 2004 Northwestern University