Adult Congenital Heart Disease Research and Clinical Trials
Our team of adult congenital heart disease specialists at University Hospitals actively participate in clinical research to help them gain a better understanding of adult congenital heart disease and all of its complexities. These studies and clinical trials look at advanced diagnostic techniques, novel procedures and treatments, and other ways to improve care for ACHD patients.
Active Research Projects in ACHD
- Impact of pre-procedural planning with 3-D printed cardiac models for ventricular assist device placement in patients with congenital heart disease. (multicenter study)
- A novel application of coronary artery assessment by FFRCT: Late postoperative evaluation of coronary artery re-implantation following arterial switch operation.
- Feasibility prospective trial on the safety and utility of ambulatory biphasic cuirass ventilation in adult Fontan patients.
- Feasibility and efficacy of biphasic cuirass ventilation in the ambulatory Fontan population – cardiovascular flow assessments by echocardiogram & magnetic resonance imaging. (pediatric pilot study)
- Identification of novel biomarkers of disease progression in patients with congenital heart disease. (international study)
- APPROACH-IS II: Assessment of patterns of patient reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease. (international study)
Clinical Trial Studies Wearable Device for Single-Ventricle Cardiac Defect
The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at UH is seeking young adult patients (ages 12 – 18) to participate in a new clinical trial that will be studying a non-invasive medical device to see how it works in patients with certain types of heart disease. Patients diagnosed with a single ventricle cardiac defect who underwent a Fontan procedure may be eligible for this trial.
The device being studied is a wearable device, similar in weight to a front-facing backpack, that is worn over the chest. The portable ventilation system assists breathing and augments the circulation of a Fontan patient living with only one effective pumping chamber.