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 (SSCOR) 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)