Clinical trials

The goal of this observational study is to explore the effect of remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia on postoperative neurocognitive function in patients who undergo cardiovascular surgery. The main question this study tries to answer is: Does remimazolam influence the incidence of postoperative delirium in cardiovascular surgery? Participants already apply remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia as part of their regular medical treatment for general anesthesia to perform cardiac surgery will answer questionnaires about cognitive function after surgery.

In China, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) represents a significantly high proportion of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) population. The application of TAVR in patients with BAV is challenging due to complex anatomy. To date, no prospective study has evaluated the Sapien 3 TAVR in patients with Type-0 BAV.

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is the most common cause of secondary hypertension , increasing the risk of cardiovascular and kidney-related complications. Some small-scale studies have suggested that covered stents are effective and safe, but high-quality evidence from large-scale studies in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis remains limited. This study aims to evaluate whether covered stents are more effective than bare metal stents in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a covered stent or a bare metal stent. Patients will be followed for 12 months to assess Changes in eGFR, 24-hour systolic blood pressure, and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 months were compared among the groups. The results of this study may help improve treatment strategies and guide the selection of stent type for patients with this condition.

For patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, the results of randomized controlled trials published in recent years have failed to demonstrate that renal artery stenting is superior to optimal medical therapy. However, these studies still have limitations. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been extensively studied in coronary artery disease, and it has been established that FFR-guided revascularization is superior to both angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention and medical therapy alone. Whether FFR can guide interventional treatment in patients with renal artery stenosis and hypertension is currently a hot topic in the field of renal artery stenosis research. Eligible patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pharmacologically induced FFR values were measured as the baseline. Patients with FFR ≥ 0.8 were randomly assigned to either the medical therapy group or the stenting group, while patients with FFR \< 0.8 underwent stent implantation. Changes in eGFR, 24-hour systolic blood pressure, and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 months were compared among the groups.

The goal of this exploratory clinical trial is to investigate the proteomic changes induced by low-dose colchicine anti-inflammatory therapy in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, with the aim of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Whether short-term colchicine treatment induces significant changes in the plasma proteomic profile of post-PCI CHD patients with residual inflammation. * Which specific proteins or pathways are dynamically modulated by colchicine, indicating potential mechanisms of action and drug targets. * How the proteomic expression profiles differ between patients treated with colchicine and matched controls after one month. Participants, recruited based on a prior RCT framework, will be post-PCI CHD patients with elevated inflammation (hs-CRP ≥ 2 mg/L). A total of 176 participants will be enrolled: 88 in the trial group (colchicine 0.5 mg/day) and 88 in the matched control group (no intervention). All participants will complete a one-month follow-up. Peripheral blood samples will be collected at baseline and at the one-month visit for high-throughput proteomic analysis using Olink technology.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease, and percutaneous interventional therapy is the main and effective treatment. Traditional percutaneous closure procedures are performed under fluoroscopic guidance and require contrast agents. A retrospective analysis of over 20,000 adult patients with congenital heart disease revealed that even low-dose radiation exposure was significantly associated with an increased long-term risk of malignancy. Moreover, the use of contrast agents carries the risk of allergic reactions and kidney injury. Radiation and contrast agents not only pose iatrogenic harm to patients but also limit the use of interventional techniques in special populations, such as pregnant women, patients with contrast agent allergies, or those with renal insufficiency. To achieve radiation-free and contrast-free interventional closure procedures, researchers have developed ultrasound-guided percutaneous interventional techniques, yielding satisfactory treatment outcomes. In some cases, these techniques have even enabled cardiovascular procedures to be performed on an outpatient basis, significantly reducing hospitalization time and costs. This project proposes a large-sample, multicenter, prospective randomized controlled study to determine whether ultrasound-guided percutaneous intervention for ASD with the assistance of specialized instruments is non-inferior to traditional fluoroscopy-guided procedures, while also offering shorter hospital stays and lower medical expenses.In addition, patients with radiation contraindications or who refuse radiation therapy, and who are willing to undergo ultrasound-guided percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with the assistance of dedicated devices, will be enrolled in a separate observational cohort (observational cohort study).

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart disease, affecting approximately 24.2 million people worldwide (with a higher prevalence in older age groups). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is now a well-established strategy in high-risk patients with MR. Globally, over 250,000 patients have benefited from the TEER technique. However, no dedicated study has prospectively evaluated different antithrombotic strategies following TEER in patients undergone TEER procedure. Current guidelines do not provide any recommendations for the antithrombotic management of TEER. Consequently, considerable treatment variation exists in clinical studies and practice. The investigators will conduct a multicenter, open-label randomized trial to compare different antithrombotic strategies following TEER in patients without an indication for OAC.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart disease, affecting approximately 24.2 million people worldwide (with a higher prevalence in older age groups). Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is now a well-established strategy in high-risk patients with MR. Globally, over 250,000 patients have benefited from the TEER technique.Studies have shown that patients with severe mitral regurgitation exhibit a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), reaching up to 63%, which is an indication for long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy. However, no dedicated study has prospectively evaluated different antithrombotic strategies following TEER in patients with an indication for OAC. Current guidelines do not provide any recommendations for the antithrombotic management of TEER. Consequently, considerable treatment variation exists in clinical studies and practice. The investigators will conduct a multicenter, open-label randomized trial to compare different antithrombotic strategies following TEER in patients who have an indication for OAC.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established therapy for severe aortic valve disease, yet conventional workflows rely on fluoroscopy and iodinated contrast, exposing patients and operators to ionizing radiation and posing challenges for individuals with chronic kidney disease, contrast allergy, or other contraindications. In patients with native aortic regurgitation, the absence of annular/leaflet calcification and frequent annular dilation can further complicate device positioning and anchoring, increasing the procedural dependence on precise imaging guidance. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides real-time assessment of valve anatomy, coaxial alignment, depth control, and immediate hemodynamic results, and-when used as the primary imaging modality-offers a potential "radiation- and contrast-free" alternative for selected patients. However, clinical evidence for fully TTE-guided (echo-only) TAVR remains limited. Here, the investigators describe our procedural workflow and evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of total TTE-guided TAVR for treating aortic regurgitation.

Under contemporary practice, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically performed with fluoroscopic visualization and repeated injections of iodinated contrast. While effective, this paradigm introduces cumulative radiation exposure to both patients and staff and can be problematic in individuals with renal dysfunction, prior contrast reactions, or other situations where contrast use is undesirable. Treating native aortic regurgitation (AR) adds another layer of complexity: limited valvular/annular calcification, enlarged annular dimensions, and dynamic root motion may reduce frictional "purchase" and make prosthesis stabilization more demanding, thereby heightening the need for continuous, high-fidelity intraprocedural imaging. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), with its close acoustic window to the aortic root, provides detailed real-time information on annular geometry, cusp coaptation, LVOT-aortic root alignment, guidewire trajectory, and implant depth, and it allows immediate confirmation of valve function and rapid recognition of adverse events (e.g., significant paravalvular regurgitation, maldeployment, pericardial effusion, or coronary compromise). Leveraging TEE as the dominant imaging modality therefore represents a pragmatic pathway toward a low-radiation and potentially contrast-sparing-or in selected cases, contrast-free-TAVR workflow. Nevertheless, evidence supporting an "echo-only" TEE-guided approach remains sparse, especially for native AR. In this study, we present a standardized TEE-guided procedural protocol and report feasibility and early clinical outcomes of TEE-only TAVR in patients with aortic regurgitation.

This study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing transaxillary transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TA TAVR) guided solely by echocardiography in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are widely used to treat patients with heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, and other conditions. However, accurately identifying suitable candidates for CIED implantation remains a clinical challenge. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provides a comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure, function, and tissue characteristics, facilitating evaluation of the myocardial substrate for arrhythmias. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of multiparametric CMR-derived imaging markers in CIED patients through preoperative CMR examinations. Imaging parameters of interest include structural-functional indices, myocardial strain, late gadolinium enhancement, entropy, and T1 and T2 mapping. Long-term clinical outcomes will be obtained from existing medical records and follow-up. The primary endpoint is sudden cardiac death (SCD) or SCD-equivalent events, defined as SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, or appropriate ICD therapy. Secondary endpoints include all-cause mortality or heart failure rehospitalization. This study aims to elucidate the role of CMR in assessing CIED treatment indications and long-term risk stratification, thereby helping to optimize CIED implantation decisions.

Transradial access has become the standard for coronary procedures due to fewer vascular complications and shorter bed rest, yet transfemoral access remains essential for complex peripheral interventions requiring larger sheaths and stronger support. Vascular closure devices (VCDs), particularly suture-mediated devices such as ProGlide, have improved femoral access by reducing hemostasis time, ambulation delay, and patient discomfort. Although early ambulation after ProGlide closure has been reported, current practice varies widely, and the relationship between ambulation timing and vascular complications remains unclear. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of different ambulation times after ProGlide closure in transfemoral peripheral angiography or intervention, with the goal of identifying the optimal time to ambulation that balances safety and efficiency.

Non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC), a newly defined cardiomyopathy subtype characterized by non-ischemic myocardial abnormalities without left ventricular dilation, poses challenges in prognosis assessment and risk stratification. This is a retrospective observational study aiming to explore the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings and identify key risk factors for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with NDLVC. We will retrospectively enroll patients diagnosed with NDLVC who underwent CMR examination at the study institution during the predefined study period. CMR parameters, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns, myocardial strain, and the extent of myocardial fibrosis or fatty replacement, will be extracted and analyzed. The primary endpoint is a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The study intends to clarify the association between specific CMR features and long-term prognosis in NDLVC patients, thereby establishing a CMR-based risk stratification strategy to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Given the retrospective nature, data will be collected from electronic medical records and CMR databases, with ethical approval obtained prior to study initiation.

What is this study about? This research is focused on improving the care for people with rare heart muscle diseases, known as rare cardiomyopathies. These are uncommon conditions where the heart muscle becomes stiff, thick, or enlarged, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Because they are rare, they can be difficult to diagnose and manage. The investigators are testing new, advanced ways of using a heart scan called a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). Participants can think of a CMR as a very powerful camera that takes detailed pictures of their heart without using radiation. What is the study trying to learn? Better Diagnosis: The investigators want to see if these new scanning techniques can help us identify these rare heart conditions more clearly and accurately. This means patients could get a correct diagnosis sooner. Personalized Risk Assessment: The investigators want to see if the scan can help us understand the future risk for each patient better. For example, can it help predict which patients are more likely to have a heart rhythm problem or need specific treatments? This helps doctors create a care plan that is tailored just for participants. What does this mean for participants? If participants choose to take part, they will undergo a CMR scan that uses these new techniques. By participating, they will be helping us find better ways to diagnose and care for people with their condition in the future. The goal is to turn uncertainty into clearer, more personalized information for patients and families.

The goal of this observational study is to create a comprehensive real-world spectrum of T1 mapping measurements across different heart conditions. We aim to establish reference values for how heart tissue characteristics vary in various diseases, which will help doctors better interpret these advanced MRI measurements in clinical practice. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the normal T1 mapping values for different heart diseases, and how do they compare to healthy hearts? Can we use the simpler "native T1" measurement (without contrast dye) instead of the more complex "ECV" measurement (which requires contrast dye) for diagnosis? Patients with various myocardial conditions will undergo CMR T1 mapping scans. We will analyze the MRI images and clinical records to establish disease-specific reference ranges for T1 mapping parameters, and validate the diagnostic accuracy of T1 mapping

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate risk stratification is essential for guiding clinical management and improving long-term outcomes in patients with ischemic myocardial injury. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides comprehensive assessment of myocardial structure, function, and tissue characteristics, enabling detailed evaluation of ischemic injury and its consequences. This multicenter, retrospective observational study aims to investigate the prognostic value of multiparametric CMR-derived imaging markers in patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent clinically indicated CMR examinations. Imaging parameters of interest include late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), infarct size, microvascular obstruction (MVO), left ventricular and left atrial strain, and native T1 and T2 mapping values. Long-term clinical outcomes will be obtained from existing medical records. The primary outcome is major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and secondary outcome is cardiovascular death. This study seeks to clarify the role of CMR in long-term risk stratification of patients with ischemic heart disease.

This multicenter, prospective study prospectively enrolled patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Detailed perioperative clinical data and biospecimens were collected at multiple time points. The primary aim is to develop an early warning model for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) by integrating clinical data and biomarkers. Additionally, through long-term follow-up, the study seeks to characterize outcome trajectories and establish a prognostic model for AKI patients. This study addresses four key questions: 1) Integration of clinical information and biomarkers to develop an early predictive model for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI); 2) Identification of risk factors for CSA-AKI occurrence; 3) Determinants of prognosis in patients with CSA-AKI; and 4) Enhanced prediction of near- and long-term clinical event risks in this patient population. Participants will receive standard perioperative management. The study protocol includes the following procedures:(1) Clinical Data Collection: Comprehensive perioperative clinical data will be systematically recorded. (2) Biospecimen Sampling: Serial blood and urine samples will be obtained at predefined time points throughout the perioperative period. (3) In-Hospital Monitoring: Clinical outcomes will be continuously monitored during the hospital stay. (3) Post-discharge Follow-up: Participants will be assessed at regular intervals after discharge to track the occurrence of major adverse events. These findings provide a foundational basis for the development of a data-driven early-warning system. Such a system is designed to facilitate the prompt identification of high-risk patients and enable the initiation of personalized treatment strategies, thereby potentially improving clinical outcomes and optimizing resource allocation

Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) represents about 65% of primary hyperaldosteronism cases. Although mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are the standard first-line treatment, they are often limited by adverse effects. Superselective adrenal artery embolization (SAAE) has been utilized for IHA over the last decade, yet comparative studies against MRAs are lacking. The objective of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of SAAE and MRA to determine the feasibility of SAAE in treating IHA.

A severe public health issue facing global population is aging. Increasing preclinical and clinical data indicate the contribution of gut microbiome on aging and aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer Disease, and diabetes. Interventions on microbiota are developed including prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). FMT via oral capsules also advances in recent with limited safety concerns compared with invasive routes. A hypothesis is thus raised that gut microbiome intervention via oral FMT can be a potential safe approach to encourage healthy aging, with multiple aspects evaluated for clinical phenotype of frailty, anthropometric measurement, cognitive function, cardiovascular aging, physical function, living activity, hippocampal volume, telomere length, cognitive biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, altered microbial composition and metabolites.

Migraine is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, posing a significant global public health concern. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is the most common congenital heart anomaly in adults. Mechanisms linking PFO to migraine include cortical spreading depression, vascular active substance theory, impaired cerebral autoregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Understanding these mechanisms holds promise for overcoming challenges in the prevention and treatment of migraines in PFO patients. At least 11 observational studies, comprising 1,632 subjects, described the efficacy of PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke. Of these, 34% had migraines, and percutaneous PFO closure reportedly reduced migraine days by 81% (with a reduction of over 50% in monthly migraine days). Prospective randomized controlled trials (PRIMA and PREMIUM trials) assessing the Amplatzer® PFO Occluder showed significant benefits in most secondary endpoints, with a pooled analysis indicating its safety and effectiveness compared to medical therapy.While traditional metal PFO closure studies suggest symptom relief, reports also mention potential new-onset or worsened migraines post-closure. Proposed mechanisms include platelet activation, microthrombus formation, nickel allergy, and septal deformation or stretching inducing the release of migraine-related vascular active substances. However, these theories are closely tied to the presence of permanent metal implants. Addressing these concerns, the MemoSorb® biodegradable PFO Occluder system, approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2023, offers an innovative solution. Developed collaboratively by the National Biomedical Materials Engineering Technology Research Center, Professor Wang Yunbing\&#39;s team, Professor Pan Xiangbin\&#39;s team from Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and HeartTech Medical, this groundbreaking technology represents a shift from metal to degradable materials. The occluder serves as a temporary bridge post-implantation, gradually degrading with endothelialization, facilitating comprehensive self-repair. This intervention concept theoretically avoids the lifelong complications associated with traditional metal occluders, effectively reducing postoperative symptoms like migraines and dizziness. To assess and compare the treatment outcomes, especially in relieving migraines, a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study has been designed for patients with patent foramen ovale and migraine, comparing the novel biodegradable occluder with the metal occluder.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a major cause of secondary hypertension, yet its optimal diagnosis and management remain challenging. This study comprehensively evaluates adrenal venous sampling (AVS), addressing key clinical, technical, and methodological issues, and aims to clarify the relationship between AVS-guided management and long-term clinical and biochemical outcomes to optimize patient care and prognosis.

the purpose of the study is to investigate whether a combined anesthetic targets bundle, known as the NeuroFirst strategy, focused on neurological protection, can reduce the incidence of silent brain infarction (SBI) and perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Additionally, the trial will assess the safety of this strategy. The NeuroFirst target bundle incorporates multiple parameters, including mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral index (BIS), regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), and arterial inflow temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary question this study seeks to answer is: Does the NeuroFirst strategy reduce the incidence of SBI and PND in cardiac surgery? To address this, researchers will compare the NeuroFirst strategy with routine institutional practices based on published guidelines. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the NeuroFirst group or the routine care group. All participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), be assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and be followed for up to one year postoperatively.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has limited success. The superior vena cava (SVC) has been identified as one of the most common non-pulmonary vein triggers for PAF. It is estimated that SVC isolation (SVCI) could improve the clinical results for patients with PAF. However, results from previous studies about SVCI remain controversial. It is possible that safety concerns for SVCI outweigh its benefits and lead to inadequate ablation. To address this issue, the introduction of a quantitative ablation index (AI) for SVCI may provide a solution. The goal of this prospective, randomized controlled trial is to test the efficacy and safety of quantitative SVCI in addition to PVI in PAF. Participants with PAF will be randomly assigned to either PVI group or PVI+ quantitative SVCI group in a 1:1 ratio and will be followed up for 12 months. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Evaluate the efficacy of PVI+SVCI guided by quantitative AI. 2. Assess the safety of PVI+SVCI guided by quantitative AI. The primary end point is treatment success at 3 months after the index ablation. The secondary end points include treatment success at 12 months, and safety outcomes.

The evidence on the practice of remimazolam besylate during cardiac anesthesia is scarce. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of remimazolam besylate general induction and maintenance during cardiac surgery.