IMPROVE-AD: Better outcomes for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
Official title: 2/2 IMPRroving Outcomes in Vascular DisEase - Aortic Dissection (IMPROVE-AD)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11393353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large patient study in the US will compare starting with medical care plus upfront TEVAR versus medical care with monitoring alone to see which approach leads to better outcomes for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $689,368 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL165029-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection suitable for either medical therapy with surveillance or upfront TEVAR.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have complicated dissection, contraindications to TEVAR, or who are not candidates for surveillance may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project runs as a pragmatic, large-scale trial enrolling about 1,100 patients across the US. It compares two management paths for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection: medical therapy with upfront thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) plus surveillance for deterioration, versus medical therapy with surveillance for deterioration and intervention only if needed. The trial uses a Clinical Coordination Center and a Statistical/Data Coordinating Center to collect and analyze data, with input from clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates. If results show a clear benefit of one strategy, it could guide how doctors treat this potentially life-threatening condition. The study emphasizes practical design to reflect real-world care and decision-making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could define a preferred management strategy for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection, potentially reducing mortality and improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: This is a landmark, large-scale trial specifically designed to establish guidance for uTBAD management in the US.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Sean M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Sean M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving Outcomes in Vascular Disease for Aortic Dissection: Upfront TEVAR vs Surveillance
A large US study will compare starting treatment with a repair procedure plus medicine to medicine alone with careful follow-up in people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
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Improving Outcomes in Aortic Dissection: Upfront TEVAR vs Surveillance (IMPROVE-AD) for Uncomplicated Type B Dissection
A large, patient-friendly study will compare starting with medicine plus an upfront TEVAR procedure versus medicine with careful monitoring for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
-
Upfront TEVAR plus medical therapy vs lifelong monitoring for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
A large US study tests whether adding early TEVAR to standard medical care helps people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection live better than medical care alone with ongoing monitoring.
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Non-invasive 4D flow MRI to predict risk in aortic dissection
A study using 4D flow MRI to help doctors predict which patients with aortic dissection are at higher long-term risk so they can tailor treatment.
-
Early aortic stent plus medicine versus medicine with watchful waiting for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
This compares giving an early aortic stent graft plus medicines to using medicines with close follow-up for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection to find which approach leads to better outcomes.
-
Improving care for people with type B aortic dissection
This study will compare immediate stent-graft repair plus medicines to medicines with watchful waiting for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.