Clinical Research

As leaders in cardiology, the physicians at VCA are committed to continuing their education and growing their understanding of the best practices and treatments. Often, this new knowledge comes about through clinical research, which is why our team at VCA is dedicated to conducting and participating in this vital research. The insights revealed through clinical research have garnered great respect for our physicians from their peers. More importantly, it allows them to diagnose and treat our patients using the most up-to-date information.

You or someone you know may be eligible to participate in one of our studies if you have any of the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Vascular Disease
  • History of Stroke
  • Irregular Heart Rhythm

Below is a list of clinical trials we are participating in at VCA.
For more informaiton call our Clinical Research Coordinator: Kathleen Morgan, RN @ 703-335-8750 x-127

VCVA Research Studies

SHOCK LESS

"Shock Reduction Programming". (Sponsor: Medtronic) PI-Sandesara

Criteria: patients with an indication for an implantable defibrillator for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (E.F.

Clinical Follow-up: Patients will have their usual 3 month ICD interrogations. Data will be collected for the 3 year study period.

TRILOGY

"A Comparison of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) subjects with Unstable Angina (UA)/Non-ST-elevated Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) who are medically managed. (Sponsor: Eli Lilly/Duke) PI-Taheri

Criteria: Patients with ACS, UA or NSTEMI who do not have PCI or CABG will be randomized within 10 days of their event to either Prasugrel or Clopidogrel to determine which is superior in the treatment of medically managed patients post coronary event. Both groups will continue low dose aspirin. Must have one risk factor: >60 yrs; Prior MI, PCI or CABG; DM.

Clinical Follow up: Office visits with blood work at 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo and every 6 months for at least 2 ½ years. They will also have the usual check in with Wt, VS, EKG and medication check at each visit.

TIMI 53 SAVOR

Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes (AstraZeneca). PI-Yazdani

Criteria: patients with T2DM will be randomized to Saxagliptin in addition to their standard diabetic medications to determine reduced incidence of death, MI, or stroke. Half of the patients will receive Saxagliptin drug and half will get Placebo.

Clinical Follow-up: Office visits every 6 months with blood work every 12 months. Phone contact occurs every 3 months in between visits for the 5 year study.

TIMI 54 PEGASUS

To assess the Prevention of Thrombtic Events with Ticagrelor compared to Placebo/ASA in patients with a history of MI within 1-3 yrs (AstraZeneca). PI-Taheri

Criteria: Patients over 50 years old who have had an MI 12-36 months prior to enrollment. They must be able to come off Plavix prior to randomization of Ticagrelor vs. Placebo.

Clinical Follow up: Office visits every 4 months for the first year and every 6 months for the 3 year study.

HESTIA

To assess the effects of Multaq on Atrial Fibrillation burden in patients with permanent pacemakers. (Santofi Aventis). PI-Sandesara

Criteria: Patients with a permanent pacemaker who have paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and are not currently taking any anti-arrhythmics. Patients are randomized to Dronederone vs. Placebo.

Clinical Follow up: Office visits and blood work every month for the 14 week study.

ODYSSEUS

To assess the effects of Dronedarone on cardiac geometry and function in patients with atrial fibrillation and left atrial enlargement. (Sanofi Aventis.) PI-Maghsoudi

Criteria: Patients who have paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and are not currently taking any anti-arrhythmic medication and have an Left Atrial enlargement >40mm. Patients are randomized to Dronederone vs. Placebo.

Clinical Follow up: Office visits and bloodwork every 3 months for the duration of the 1 year study.

TIMI 55 REVEAL

To determine the clinical effects of anacetrapib among people with established vascular disease. (Merck) PI-Taheri

Criteria: Patients must be 50 or older and have a history of MI, CVA, PVD, or DM with evidence of heart disease. Patients are supplied with commercial Atorvastatin for 8-12 weeks to achieve a total cholesterol level

Clinical Follow up: Office visits at 2 mo, 6 mo and q6months for 4-5 years.

ALERTS

The Guardian System implant for Early Recognition and Treatment of STEMI. (Angel-Med) PI-Yazdani

Criteria: Patients who have had ACS or CABG in the past 6 months with either Diabetes, Renal Failure or TIMI Risk Score >3

Clinical Follow up: Office visits at 2wk, 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo and q6mo for 3-4 years.