View clinical trials related to Vascular Disease.
Filter by:Impairment of the heart's pumping capacity (heart failure) remains a major clinical problem with a poor prognosis and the search for novel treatments remains an important area of research. Urocortins are proteins that appear to increase blood flow and heart pumping activity. There has been particular interest in the role of Urocortins 2 & 3 (subtypes of Urocortins) in heart failure. In this study, we will examine the effects and mechanisms of Urocortins 2 & 3 and the Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 2 (CRH-R2) receptor (through which urocortins act) on forearm blood flow and release of natural blood clot dissolving factors in the forearm circulation of healthy volunteers. In this study, we will look at the role of the lining of the blood vessel (endothelium) in response to urocortin types 2 and 3. We hypothesise that urocortins 2 & 3 act via the endothelium to cause dilatation of the blood vessels and release of tissue-plasminogen activating factor (blood clot dissolving factor). We also hypothesise that urocortins have a role in maintaining the normal baseline level of blood flow in forearm arteries. In addition to the above, we will also look at the effect of temporarily blocking the effect of urocortins, using a specially designed blocker drug (Astressin 2B). Utilising the well-established technique of 'forearm venous occlusion plethysmography', we will be able to focus on the local effects of urocortins on arterial blood flow in forearm vessels, without affecting this system in the body as a whole.
Reduced aortic stiffness is a powerful way to predict the outcome of cardiovascular (CV) disease. There are several non invasive methods for its estimation, most of which are based on the measurement of speed of the arterial pulse wave. (The stiffer the artery, the faster the pulse wave travels.) They rely on detecting the arterial pulse with 2 sensors placed on the skin a known distance apart and measuring the time for the pulse to travel between them. However all current methods require skilled operators and are of limited accuracy. Thus, there is a need for an easy to use and reliable device to measure pulse speed. The aim of this project is to develop a non contact device to detect the aortic pulse as it moves into the small arteries following the ribs, using the principle of thermal imaging, by means of a high sensitivity infra red camera, directed towards the subjects back. The investigators plan to validate the device and conduct a small feasibility study in patients undergoing elective angiography, by simultaneously measuring pulse speed using established methods. These are Doppler ultrasound (non-invasive) and direct intra-arterial measurement (the gold standard).
The purpose of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the Lutonix Catheter for treatment of stenosis of the femoropopliteal arteries by direct comparison to standard balloon angioplasty.
Hypothesis - Rotigaptide will improve endothelial function in the context of endothelial dysfunction. The lining of blood vessels (endothelium) can react to hormones in the blood stream causing the blood vessel muscle to relax (vasodilatation) and allow more blood to flow. The nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathways are well documented in this process. However, evidence points to the existence of a third powerful relaxant called endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF) but its identity and mechanism of action have proved elusive. As well as causing blood vessels to relax and more blood to flow, EDHF may be involved in the endothelium signaling, triggering release of a specialised clot dissolving factor called tissue plasminogen activator (t PA). t PA is important to ensure small clots, which are constantly being formed in the circulation, are rapidly dissolved and do not grow large enough to cause heart attacks and strokes. Evidence points towards the requirement for 'gap junctions' in the mediation of EDHF responses. Gap junctions are specialised pores which allow small molecules and charge to pass between cells. They are found between endothelial cells and the underlying muscle of the blood vessel. A drug called Rotigaptide has been developed to cause gap junctions to open. It has been safely administered in healthy volunteers and is now in a Phase II drug trial. By opening gap junctions the investigators hypothesise that it could increase EDHF mediated activity and vasodilatation. It represents a useful tool with which to examine the role of gap junctions in EDHF activity in vivo. Previously the investigators have demonstrated that rotigaptide does not contribute to endothelial function in healthy volunteers. The investigators now wish to examine the effect of rotigaptide in conditions of endothelial dysfunction. By limiting the blood flow to the arm for 20mins the ability of the blood vessel to vasodilate is impaired. By administering an intra-arterial rotigaptide infusion the investigators want to assess any functional preservation.
Aldosterone is a significant mediator of cardiovascular injury associated with heart failure and the cardiovascular benefits of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade are additive to those of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. This study will test the hypothesis that MR antagonists exert beneficial cardiovascular effects, specifically by decreasing vascular injury and improving vascular function.A randomized, double-blind study will be conducted, in which subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus will undergo a series of assessments to test heart, blood vessel, and kidney function at baseline, and after 2 and 6 months of treatment with one of the following drugs: 1. spironolactone 2. hydrochlorothiazide plus potassium 3. placebo. In the event of insufficient funds, randomization to the placebo arm will be stopped and primary assessment of outcomes will occur at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.
The HDH device is intended for creating sutureless vascular anastomosis in various blood vessels. The HDH device consists of four parts: an elastic tube (graft), docking head (anastomotic device), inversion device (connects the vascular graft to HDH) and measuring device. This study was design in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using HDH device and method an innovative anastomotic device for sutureless aortic anastomosis in patient diagnosed with abdominal aneurysm or Aorto-iliac aneurysm.
This is a study of the effects of 3 oz almonds added daily to a National Cholesterol Education Program Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet in improving endothelial function in patients with Coronary Artery Disease. The study seeks to determine if these effects are mediated via an increase in Nitric Oxide synthesis and reductions in dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Vascular reactivity will be assessed via flow mediated dilation with endothelium-independent and hyperemic flow measured in the right brachial artery by non-invasive 2-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound. Serum will be collected and analyzed for biomarkers of dyslipidemia, inflammation, endothelial function, vascular reactivity and oxidative stress.
This is a prospective, multi-center randomized, controlled study. The study is designed to assess the safety effectiveness of the ArterX Vascular Sealant compared to the control group in the open surgical repair of large vessels using synthetic vascular grafts or patches.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Hemospan infusion on vascular reactivity, regional perfusion and oxygenation of ischemic tissue in patients with chronic critical lower limb ischemia.
The purpose of this Clinical Evaluation is the continued assessment of the XIENCE Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System (XIENCE V® and XIENCE PRIME™ EECSS) with the primary focus on clinical outcomes in the treatment of female patients with de novo coronary artery lesions, and the characterization of the female population undergoing stent implantation with a XIENCE stent.