Using remote ischemic preconditioning to protect the kidneys and heart in heart failure patients

Remote ischemic preconditioning for renal and cardiac protection in congestive heart failure (RICH) trial

NIH-funded research VA North Texas Health Care System · NIH-10980505

This study is looking at a special technique that might help protect your kidneys and heart during certain medical procedures that use contrast dye, especially if you have heart failure or coronary artery disease. By briefly restricting blood flow to a limb, we hope to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of kidney damage, and we’ll keep an eye on your health and kidney function afterward.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA North Texas Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10980505 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of remote ischemic preconditioning as a method to protect the kidneys and heart during procedures that involve contrast media, which can lead to acute kidney injury. The approach involves applying brief episodes of ischemia to a limb, which may help to improve blood flow and reduce damage to the kidneys and heart during coronary angiography and other related interventions. By focusing on patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of this technique in preventing complications associated with contrast media. Participants will be monitored for kidney function and overall health outcomes following the intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with heart failure and coronary artery disease who are scheduled to undergo procedures involving contrast media.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have heart failure or coronary artery disease, or those not undergoing procedures that require contrast media, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing heart-related procedures, improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with remote ischemic preconditioning in various settings, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions acute kidney injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.