Access to the newest clinical trials at premier academic medical centers is a vital aspect of providing innovative care to you.
Our heart and vascular experts lead trials as national principal investigators in multi-institutional studies. This means we can bring the treatments of tomorrow to UPMC today.
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute offers clinical trials in all medical and surgical specialties, including:
If you're thinking of taking part in a study, be sure to:
Search the US government's clinical trial database now for heart and vascular trials.
PI: Samir Saba, MD
Research Coordinator: Susan Sweeny
The CATALYST Trial is studying the Amplatzer™ Amulet™ Left Atrial Appendage Occluder in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are either on a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) blood thinner, or eligible to take a NOAC.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE CATALYST TRIAL COMPARING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION TO NOAC THERAPY? Both men and women can participate.
You may qualify if:
**We're expecting activation soon. Please reach out to Susan Sweeny, RN, for details at 412-864-1420 or sweenysm@upmc.edu.**
PI: Raveen Bazaz, MD
Research Coordinator: Liz Benckart
Currently, WATCHMAN is an FDA approved device alternative for AFib patients who are unable to tolerate long-term blood thinner medication. The CHAMPION-AF Clinical trial is studying WATCHMAN as a first choice option versus blood thinners (NOAC) for AFib patients who may be medically able to tolerate long-term blood thinner use, but would consider a one-time option for stroke risk reduction.
You may be a candidate for the CHAMPION-AF clinical trial if you can answer YES to the following questions:
To learn more, contact Liz Benckart at 412-647-4463 or benckarte2@upmc.edu.
We're also offering this study at UPMC in Harrisburg.
PI: Chinmay Patel, MD
Research Coordinator: Dawn Macfarlane
PI: Andrew Voigt, MD
Research Coordinator: Eric Pasquantonio, RN
The purpose of this study is to validate how data collected using an echocardiogram, a heart imaging study, predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy provided by the CRT-D in individuals without the LBBB rhythm, and to identify new variables recorded from electrocardiograms (ECG) or echocardiography to improve use of the implanted device called “cardiac resynchronization therapy” in patients with heart failure.
You are being asked to take part in this study because you have been diagnosed with heart failure (HF) a chronic condition associated with heart muscle weakness and do not have heart arrythmia abnormality called left bundle branch block (LBBB), and you are scheduled to undergo implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device with a defibrillator (CRT-D).
** We are expecting activation soon. Please reach out to Eric Pasquantonio at 412-647-4463 for additional information.**
PI: Sandeep Jain, MD
Research Coordinator: Sherry Pellegin
Do you have Heart Failure? You may be interested in the FDA approved Optimizer Smart, which is a device used to treat heart failure in patients on medical therapy who still have significant symptoms. Optimizer Smart devices are implanted just the way pacemakers/defibrillators are implanted, through a small incision. Participants will be asked to complete the following:
Ask your doctor about the Optimizer Smart CCM device, and about participating in the Optimizer Smart Post Approval study.
Contact Sherry Pellegrino at 412-647-8437 or pellegrinosl@upmc.edu to learn more.
We're also offering this study at UPMC in Harrisburg.
PI: Sandeep Jain, MD
Research Coordinator: Susan Sweeny
The research study is being conducted to evaluate if imaging techniques can identify irregular heart rhythms with extra heart beats (PVCs) that would cause a cardiomyopathy.
The purpose of this study is to find out if we can determine if certain extra heart beats are bad for the heart and could cause the heart function to decline.
You are being invited to participate in a research study because you have an irregular heart rhythm with extra heart beats (PVCs).
***We've currently paused enrollment for this study. It should resume shortly.
If you have any potential candidates for the study, please contact Susan Sweeny, RN, at 412-864-1420 or sweenysm@upmc.edu.
PI: Samir Saba, MD
Research Coordinator: Susan Sweeny
The purpose of the study is to test a new way to pace the left side of the heart without using pacing leads, using the WiSE CRT System.
In this study, ultrasound will be used to transfer energy from a new type of pacemaker through your body to a special receiver that is placed inside the left ventricle of your heart.
The receiver will use the ultrasound energy to pace the heart without using pacing leads.
If you’re suffering from heart failure symptoms despite a pacemaker, ICD or CRT device, you might be a candidate to participate in the SOLVE CRT Study and receive the WiSE CRT System.
Reach out to Susan Sweeny, RN, at 412-864-1420 or sweenysm@upmc.edu to learn more.
PI: Aditya Bhonsale, MD
Research Coordinator: Sherry Pellegrino
A study of patients to receive a new CRT implant or upgrade (Abbott CRT device and Abbott Quadripolar LV Lead) to an existing ICD/pacemaker implant.
They must not have prior LV lead placement and must have:
The SyncAV post-market trial will study changes in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) between:
The study will compare patients with CRT devices programmed with SyncAV to those programmed with fixed AV delay.
Contact Sherry Pellegrino at 412-647-8437 or pellegrinosl@upmc.edu.
PI: Gavin Hickey, MD
Research Coordinator: Rachel McGargle
A study of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III heart failure patients. This prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, single blind clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the Cordella pulmonary artery sensor system.
PI: Brittany Palmer, MD
These trials will observe a real-world cohort of PAH patients newly initiating any PAH drug-therapy with guideline-directed assessments of disease severity.
PI: Brittany Palmer, MD
Research Coordinator: Kristin Shoemaker, RN
Heart Failure Sensors in an Insertable Cardiac Monitor System Clinical Study
PI: Jessica Houston, MD
A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. It will compare the efficacy and safety of sotatercept versus placebo when added to background PAH therapy for PAH treatment.
PI: Brittany Palmer, MD
Research Coordinator: Abbey Sung, RN
Study is enrolling to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a study drug compared to placebo in adults ages 40 and older who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and a body mass index (BI) of at least 30kg/m².
PI: Prem Soman, MD
Research Coordinator: Tracy Nicholson
A study of patients with transthyretin-mediated amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR CM). This phase 3 global, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study will assess the efficacy and safety of ION-682884.
PI: Timothy Wong, MD
Research Coordinator: Jenny Whitehead
Looking for adults with symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This multi-center, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study of CK-3773274 will assess the:
PI: Prem Soman, MD
A study of patients with symptomatic transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy who completed the phase 3 attribute-cm trial (ag10-301).
This is an open-label extension and safety monitoring study of acoramidis (ag10).
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
Research Coordinator: Sarah Tomer
The Revivent TC system is for patients suffering from symptomatic heart failure referred for treatment of left ventricular aneurysms.
This prospective, multi-center, dual arm pivotal study with 2:1 active concurrent control group allocation ratio is also available at UPMC in Harrisburg.
PI: Mubashir Mumtaz, MD
Research Coordinator: Courtney Rodgers
PI: Prem Soman, MD
A study of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This study will capture the performance data of a 6-minute walk test by a wearable monitoring device.
PI: Conrad Smith, MD
Research Coordinator: Sarah Tomer
Looking for symptomatic patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.
This prospective, randomized controlled study will assess treatment outcomes of the Triclip™ device.
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
This is a study of the functional performance with intravascular sensors to assess the narrowing effect.
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
Research Coordinator: Mary Jo Albright
A study of patients diagnosed with high-risk (massive) pulmonary embolism.
The main objective of this observational study is to compare treatment outcomes of the FlowTriever System to an established literature-based performance goal. We'll also study outcomes of patients who have received treatment with other (non-FlowTriever) therapies.
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
Research Coordinator: Mary Jo Albright
This will study the safety and effectiveness of the FlowTriever System for removing emboli from the pulmonary arteries in treating acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We'll use a real-world population to study this device that closely matches its use in clinical practice.
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
PI: Catalin Toma, MD
Research Coordinator: Mary Jo Albright
This multicenter trial randomly allocates 3,500 patients with acute myocardial infarction and a hemoglobin concentration less than 10 g/dL. They'll receive either a liberal or restrictive blood transfusion treatments strategy.
PI: Prem Soman, MD
A pilot study to assess:
PI: John Pacella, MD
Research Coordinator: Mary Jo Albright
This trial will study the effectiveness and safety of the Paradise renal denervation system in people with stage 2 hypertension.
PI: Jeff Fowler, DO
Research Coordinator: Sarah Tomer
Impella™ unloading to lessen heart failure after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Kristin Konopka
This will study the safety and effectiveness of a device called QuikClot Control+ Hemostatic Dressing. The device controls mild and moderate bleeding that occurs at the access site into the heart — such as the sternum — or at the suture lines during heart surgery. We're also doing this study at UPMC in Harrisburg. UPMC Harrisburg was the first site in the United States to enroll a patient in this trial.
PI: Mubashir Mumtaz, MD
Research Coordinator: Anita Todd
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Kristin Konopka
We are currently recruiting patients implanted with an On-X prosthetic heart valve for a randomized, active (warfarin) controlled trial. The purpose of this study is to learn if apixaban — an anticoagulant drug different from warfarin — is safe and effective for those with an On-X aortic valve. Cryolife, Inc., sponsors the study.
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Missy Sanders Linger
This research project is testing a new device for mitral regurgitation without the need for open heart surgery. The device is a mitral valve replacement called the Intrepid Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) System. The purpose of this study is to learn if replacing the mitral valve without open-heart surgery is as safe and effective as standard mitral valve surgery in patients with similar medical conditions.
We're also working on this trial at UPMC in Harrisburg.
PI: Mubashir Mumtaz, MD
Research Coordinator: Courtney Rodgers
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Stephanie Trbovich
The purpose of this Evolut™ PRO or EVOLUT™ PRO+ system study is to learn more about:
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Missy Sanders Linger
The purpose of this trial is to assess a new investigational device called the Tendyne™ Mitral Valve System. The Tendyne Mitral Valve System is for the treatment of a diseased, damaged, or malfunctioning mitral valve. This trial will collect data on how safe and effective this device is to treat a leaking mitral valve compared to the commercially-available, FDA-approved MitraClip® System.
The MitraClip System consists of a delivery catheter and an implantable Clip that repairs the mitral valve by clipping the two leaflets together.
PI: Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Research Coordinator: Kristin Konopka
An international, multi-center, clinical trial will compare the safety and effectiveness of TAVR with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 or SAPIEN 3 Ultra transcatheter heart valve (THV) and optimal heart failure therapy (OHFT) versus OHFT alone in heart failure patients with moderate aortic stenosis. We're also doing this study at UPMC in Harrisburg.
PI: Hemal Gada, MD
Research Coordinator: Courtney Rodgers
PI: Michael Singh, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of patients with aortic aneurysm involving the visceral vessels requiring treatment defined as:
Must also have proper aortic anatomy to receive the TAMBE device.
This prospective, non-randomized, multi-center study has two independent arms:
The study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the TAMBE device in treating thoracoabdominal and pararenal aortic aneurysms.
PI: Rabih Chaer, MD
Research Coordinators: Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304 | Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486
A study of patients who have infrainguinal peripheral artery disease with critical limb ischemia consistent with Rutherford categories 4-6.
These include:
This prospective, multi-center registry of people with critical limb ischemia will study:
PI: Rabih Chaer, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of people with:
This prospective, non-randomized, multi-center trial will study the efficacy of the Bashir™ Endovascular Catheter for the administration of pharmaco-mechanical catheter directed therapy using low dose r-tPA for the treatment of acute submassive pulmonary embolism.
PI: Eric Hager, MD
Research Coordinators: Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304 | Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486
This study focuses on disabling (moderate-to-severe) PTS with:
This is a randomized, multi-center, assessor-blind trial to learn if imaging-guided endovascular therapy (EVT) is an effective strategy to reduce PTS disease severity and improve QOL in patients with established DIO-PTS (disabling iliac occlusion-post thrombotic syndrome).
PI: Rabih Chaer, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of patients with nonmalignant iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction presenting with:
The prospective, single-arm, non-blinded, multi-center clinical trial will study the safety and efficacy of the Vesper DUO Venous Stent System in treating people with iliofemoral occlusive disease.
PI: Michael Singh, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of patients > 18 years of age with thoracic aortic lesions which require coverage of the left subclavian artery, left common carotid artery and/or the brachiocephalic trunk/innominate artery for effective treatment and have anatomy suitable for treatment with the TAG TBE device. The prospective, non-randomized study will assess the GORE® TAG® Thoracic Branch Endoprosthesis (TBE Device) treating lesions of the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta.
PI: Georges Al-Khoury, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of patients > 21 years of age with a AAA that meet any of the following criteria:
All must have the anatomy suitable for treatment with the CEXC device.
This prospective, non-randomized study will assess the safety and effectiveness of the CEXC device for treating infrarenal AAA. The CEXC device will allow endovascular treatment in hostile infrarenal aortic anatomy characterized by either a short proximal seal zone and/or excessive proximal neck angulation.
PI: Theodore Yuo, MD
Research Coordinators: Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304 | Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486
Pilot of randomized trial of fistula versus graft in elderly patients. This will study patients on hemodialysis through a tunneled dialysis catheter and, in the surgeon's opinion, both a fistula and a graft can be reasonably attempted based on the patient's anatomy.
PI: Theodore Yuo, MD
Research Coordinators: Judith Brimmeier, 412-623-8486 | Julianna Sheline, 412-235-1304
A study of patients with an AVG or AVF who have stenosis or occlusion. This prospective, randomized, controlled multi-center clinical trial will compare the Merit WRAPSODY Endovascular Stent Graft to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of venous outflow circus stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients.
The Pitt+Me Registry is a program at the University of Pittsburgh's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI).
This group of researchers, patients, and volunteers from the greater Pittsburgh area work to advance science and improve health for future generations.
We encourage you to join the more than 100,000 people in the Pitt+Me Registry who have signed up to receive our newsletter and hear more about research opportunities that may be of interest.
Learn more about heart and vascular research studies and clinical trials at Pitt+Me.
An advantage in choosing the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for your care is that many of our doctors are also nationally and internationally renowned physician-scientists.
These experts maintain active clinical research and basic science labs funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Learn more about the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute and how our team of scientists is advancing research in the heart, lung, and blood systems.