Midwest Heart Foundation

Research Overview Study Volunteers Clinical Trial Enrollment Research News

MHF is currently enrolling patients in the following clinical trials. For more information contact Karen Larimer, Research Manager at 630.932.2165.

HEART FAILURE STUDIES

-A device study for patients in need of an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The device combines the ICD with the ability to monitor pressure in the heart.

-A device study for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, involving a metal mesh net that surrounds and supports the heart.

-A device study to collect and analyze pressures inside the heart in order to help regulate medications and monitor fluid levels in the body. This may prevent the need for hospitalization for congestive heart failure.

-An inpatient study for patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure. This study compares an already FDA approved drug to placebo.

-A device study to determine whether cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in combination with internal cardioverter defibrillator (CRT-D) can stop or slow the development of heart failure and reduce death in people who have early stages of heart failure.

-A drug study to compare an investigational drug to placebo to determine if people with heart failure live longer or do better on this medication.

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

-A clinical trial comparing treatment with a study drug to usual care, in patients who require percutaneous coronary intervention. Study at Edward Hospital

-Efficacy and Safety Study comparing a study drug with clopidogrel for prevention of
vascular events in patients with non-ST or ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

-A device study to assess the prevention of heart enlargement after a severe heart attack. There are no investigational devices used in this study. The devices being used in this feasibility study are market-approved devices with defibrillation capability

ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

-Patients admitted to the hospital for chest pain may qualify to receive a new intravenous (IV) medication similar to Plavix (a blood thinner). Researchers are looking at the effectiveness of this drug compared to existing treatment for heart attack. Qualifying patients with acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) will receive stent or angioplasty (intervention) and the drug. They are then followed for a 1 year period to assess potential complications after angioplasty and or stent

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

-This registry is coordinated to gather real-time information about patients with Primary, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in an effort to understand more about the disease, it’s characteristics, it’s course and responses to current treatment. Patients consent to have their medical records reviewed over a 5 year period with data reported to a central, electronic database for analysis

HYPERTENSION

-A clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a renal stent system for the treatment of renal artery stenosis in patients with uncontrolled hypertension

-National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored study to test if people who get a stent in the blocked artery of a kidney do better than those who are managed with medicine alone

-A drug study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a drug in subjects with resistant high blood pressure receiving 3 or more blood pressure lowering drugs, including a diuretic. All visits are conducted at the Downers Grove office

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

A drug study comparing a new drug to warfarin in people with A-fib (atrial fibrillation). Patients must be at high risk for stroke and willing to come to the Downers Grove office for monthly INRs done by the research staff. Warfarin dosage is managed by the MHS Coumadin Clinic. Patients must have: history of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or non-CNS systemic embolism believed to be cardioembolic in origin

DEVICE

A frequent optimization study using the XXXXX method in patients receiving a St. Jude Medial bi-ventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Program allows for a more direct approach to optimizing the device settings to deliver maximum therapy

PATENT FORAMEN OVALE

A clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the XXXX septal closure system versus best medical therapy in patients with a stroke and/or transient ischemic attack due to presumed paradoxical embolism through a patent formen ovale

Evaluation of closure of a patent foramen ovale using the XXXXX septal repair system in patients with recurrent cryptogenic stroke due to presumed paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale who have failed conventional drug therapy