CompletedNot Applicable

Point-of-Care Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Assessing the Thoracic Aorta

United States97 participantsStarted 2012-07

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this prospective study is to compare point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) to thoracic computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in the measurement of ascending aortic dimensions. We hypothesize that FOCUS will demonstrate good agreement with CTA in the measurement of ascending aortic dimensions and accurately detect dilation and aneurysmal disease.

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: * All patients aged 18 years and older presenting to the ED for whom a thoracic CTA has been ordered. Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal of verbal consent for ultrasound. * Inability to obtain informed written consent for data collection from either the patient or the patients decision-making surrogate

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

Maximal diameter measurements of the proximal ascending aorta by CTA and FOCUS

Timeframe: during emergency department visit (estimated average 3-6 hours)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01671618

SponsorYale University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2013-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic trials