Study Comparing Desirudin With Heparin to Prevent Vein Clots After Heart and Lung Surgery (NCT00329433) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2/3
Study Comparing Desirudin With Heparin to Prevent Vein Clots After Heart and Lung Surgery
United States120 participantsStarted 2006-05
Plain-language summary
A blood clot in the veins, also known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), is one of the most common complications after surgery. This may result in death if a clot breaks off and travel to the lungs; this is referred to as pulmonary embolism (PE). After heart surgery the incidence of DVT ranges from 20-48% and following lung surgery the incidence is 19-26%. In order to decrease the likelihood of this complication, patients receive by injection a blood thinning medicine. Heparin is the usual medicine used for this purpose following heart and lung surgery. Recently there have been reports that other medicines may be more effective than heparin for this purpose. Also there have been reports that some patients develop antibodies to heparin. When this occurs, this may prevent the heparin from being effective and may even promote the formation of blood clots. Antibodies to heparin may be present more often following heart and lung surgery than other types of surgery. There is a new medicine called desirudin (Iprivask), which may be used instead of heparin to prevent blood clots following heart and lung surgery. Desirudin is currently approved by the FDA to prevent blood clots following hip surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare desirudin with heparin for the prevention of vein clots after heart and lung surgery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients who are scheduled for elective Cardiac or Thoracic Surgery.
* Age \> 18 years of age.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with a clinical suspicion or a documented history of DVT/PE
* Patients who may require anticoagulation during the post-op period. (i.e. Patients with a history of A-fib, scheduled for a MAZE procedure or placement of a mechanical valve, or those on Coumadin/IV heparin preoperatively)
* Patients who have a history of HIT or if there is a suspicion of the patient having HIT pre-operatively.
* Documented allergy to heparin, desirudin, or lepirudin
* Patients with a history of coagulation disorder
* Platelet count\< 100 X109 /dl
* Active bleeding
* Serum Creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dl or CrCl ≤ 30 ml/min
* Patients with a baseline coagulopathy (INR \> 1.5 or aPTT \> 45 sec)
* Patients with liver disease
* Pregnancy
* Patients who require ventricular assist devices before or after surgery
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The Primary Outcome Measure Was the Number of Participants With New Heparin Platelet Factor 4 (HIT Positive) Antibodies in Each Group Within 30 Days Following Surgery.