Investigational Device Study May Offer Neuro Protection During Corotid Stenting 

Vanderbilt Medical Center is one of about 40 sites across the US participating in the GORE EMPIRE Study clinical trial.  Carotid stenting provides surgeons and high risk patients an alternative to open surgery.  During carotid stenting physicians protect the brain by using devices that prevent plaque particles from traveling to the brain which in turn could cause a stroke.   The GORE Neuro Protection System is an investigational device in the U.S that is a protection device.  
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Hybrid OR Can Change Standard of Care for Heart Patients

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Heart Research at Vanderbilt:  Highlights

Several research studies that started at Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute are now common practice in the treatment of heart disease:

In the Area of Cardiology Clinical Research:

Specialized Center of Clinically Oriented Research Grant (SCCOR) awarded:
This $16 million award will position VHVI in the forefront of research in thrombosis and the metabolic syndrome.

Stem Cell Program:
In 2006, VHVI was designated as one of five U.S. centers participating in the NIH stem cell therapy initiative. This participation reaffirms VHVI's commitment to innovation and research. The Institute began enrolling patients in studies for stem cell therapy of chronic ischemic heart disease in fall 2006.

Hybrid OR Results and Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation Presented at American Heart Association Annual Meeting:
VHVI investigators were fortunate to present the results of their novel clinical and biological studies at the world's leading cardiovascular clinical and research meeting.

In the area of Vascular Surgery Research: 

• Pivotal Study of the Aptus Endovascular AAA Repair System
• An Exploratory Double-blind, Placeto-Controlled, Randomized, 12-Week Oral Dose Study to Evaluate the Effects of MK-0736 on Atherosclerotic Disease Bio-markers in Lower Extremity Plaque excised from patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
• Use of TRC Autologous Bone Marrow Cells in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease to Treat Critical Limb Ischemia
• The Embolic Protection with Reverse Flow (EMPiRE) Study of the Gore Neuro Protection System in Carotid Stenting of Subjects at High Risk for Carotid Endarterectomy
• Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High-Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE WW)
• Plaque Removal versus Open Bypass Surgery for Critical Limb Ischemia (PROOF)
• The NexStent Carotid Stent System: A Post Market Approval Evaluation Study in Conjunction with the Boston Scientific Filter Wire EZ Embolic Protection System (SONOMA)
• Carotid Stenting for High Surgical-Risks Patients. Evaluating outcomes through collection of clinical evidence (CHOICE)

 
Other Research in the News: 

Study seeks genetic clues to irregular heart rhythm
(May 9. 2008)

System reverses blood flow to ease stent surgery risks
(March 21, 2008)

New approach eases cardiac surgery
(March 14, 2008)

VHVI study probes stem cell timing
(February 22, 2008)

It may not be all you need, but love can help cardiovascular system
(February 15, 2008)

Investigators Track Chemo's Impact on Heart Function
(September 21, 2007)

Gridlock Puts Breaks on Heart Growth: Study
(September 14, 2007)

Vascular Surgery on Cutting Edge of High-Tech Care
(September 7, 2007)

Vitamin E's Lack of Heart Benefit Linked to Dosage
(August 24, 2007)

Heart, Blood Pressure Studies Boosted
(August 10, 2007)

Extending Therapy Boosts Drug-eluting Stents’ Benefits
(February 9, 2007)

‘Big Science’ Key to New Discoveries: Roden
(August 12, 2005)

New Therapies at Heart of Dan May Lectureship
(May 13, 2005)