TransThoracic Ultrasound for Descending Aortic Aneurysms
United Kingdom60 participantsStarted 2026-09-07
Plain-language summary
The goal of this observational study is to assess the applicability of non-invasive ultrasound in aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta.
The main question it aims to answer is:
What is the feasibility of Ultrasound to visualise the Descending Thoracic Aorta, and can this imaging modality accurately measure the maximum size of aneurysms and residual sacs with acceptable reproducibility?
Participants are having their diagnosis confirmed or excluded by conventional imaging techniques (CT scans). Participants receive exactly the same standard of care regardless of their participation. The study offers an additional ultrasound scan, and the results will be compared with previous imaging.
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 with diagnosed AAA or other vascular condition attending the vascular scanning department for routine ultrasound and confirmed healthy DTA (Control group).
* Patients with known DTAA (including Type B dissection) or patients who had TEVAR previously (Case group).
* Patients who have had CT as part of their standard of care.
* Patients able to tolerate the scan (Lying in supine position).
* Adults aged 18 or over.
* Willing to provide consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patient under 18 years of age.
* Previous thoracic surgery or body deformity (severe kyphosis, scoliosis, pleural effusion or chest wall trauma).
* Patients without previous imaging of the thoracic aorta.
* Life expectancy \<2 years.
* Pregnant Women.
* Patients unwilling to provide consent or unable to comply with study requirements.
* Patients too frail to travel to routine outpatient appointments.
* Inability to attend the appointment due to time constraints or other commitments.
* Although rare, ultrasound contraindications as described in the scanning protocol are also exclusion criteria.
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
Part 1 - Feasibility - Proportion of participants with successful ultrasound measurement of the diameter of the descending thoracic aorta
Timeframe: Day 1 - At the single ultrasound study visit.
2
Part 1 - Feasibility - Length of the descending thoracic aorta by Ultrasound
Timeframe: Day 1 - At the single ultrasound study visit.
3
Part 1 - Feasibility - Ultrasound Quality Score
Timeframe: Day 1 - At the single ultrasound study visit.
4
Part 2 - Accuracy - Comparision between Transthoracic Ultrasound and CT
Timeframe: Day 1 - At the single ultrasound study visit.
5
Part 3 - Reproducibility - Intraclass correlation coefficient
Timeframe: Day 1 - At the single ultrasound study visit.