Improving treatment outcomes for patients with aortic dissection
Official title: 2/2 IMPRroving Outcomes in Vascular DisEase - Aortic Dissection (IMPROVE-AD)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10892225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two different ways to treat patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection to see which works better: one group will get medicine plus a quick surgery to fix the problem, while the other group will just get medicine and regular check-ups. They're hoping to include 1,100 people from across the U.S. to help find the best way to manage this condition.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $721,106 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL165029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection who require treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complicated type B aortic dissection or those who are not eligible for either treatment strategy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two treatment strategies for patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection. One group will receive medical therapy combined with immediate thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), while the other will receive medical therapy with ongoing monitoring for any deterioration. The study aims to enroll 1,100 participants across the United States and will provide valuable insights into the best management practices for this condition. The trial is led by a team of experienced researchers from prominent institutions, ensuring a robust approach to data collection and analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols that enhance survival rates and quality of life for patients with aortic dissection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that similar approaches to managing aortic dissection have shown promise, but this trial is unique in its scale and design.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
IMPROVE-AD: Better outcomes for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.