UnknownNot Applicable

Deploying Novel Imaging Modalities Towards a Three-dimensional (3D) CARDIOvascular PATHology

70 participantsStarted 2023-09-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of the 3D-CARDIOPATH study is to investigate the potential added value of emerging 3D imaging modalities by imaging ex vivo cardiac specimens (diseased coronary arteries, calcific aortic valves, and thrombotic materials) in 3D. Specifically, 20 cadaveric coronary artery segments with advanced atherosclerosis will be received from 10 patients with SCD. These segments will first be scanned with intravascular imaging modalities, namely optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and then with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Additionally, 30 thrombotic specimens aspirated from patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction, will also be scanned using micro-CT. Finally, 30 surgically removed aortic valves will undergo scanning with micro-CT and LSFM. Traditional histopathological assessment will also be performed on the scanned specimens. Patient laboratory profiles, past medical histories, demographic characteristics, and therapeutic management will be recorded, where applicable.

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: * Age \>18 years. * Patients with sudden cardiac death for coronary artery imaging. * Patients with STEMI undergoing PCI and thrombus aspiration for thrombus imaging. * Patients with CAVD undergoing cardiac replacement of calcific aortic valve for valve imaging. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients dying after the execution of their cardiac surgery. * Patients with altered mental status; unable or unwilling to provide informed consent for specimen imaging and clinical follow-up.

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

Non-destructive nature of the deployed imaging modalities (Number of specimens with scanning-induced alterations)

Timeframe: 2 years

Successful 3D visualization of the scanned specimens (generation of 3D datasets)

Timeframe: 2 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05975567

SponsorAristotle University Of Thessaloniki

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2024-09-01

Contact for this trial

Andreas S Papazoglou, MD, MSc

+306945317584 anpapazoglou@yahoo.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Coronary Artery Disease trials