Assessing oxygenation in heart muscle using breathing techniques

Breathing-Maneuver-Induced Myocardial Oxygenation Reserve Validated by FFR (B-MORE)

Observational McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT04126148

This study is testing if certain breathing techniques can help check the oxygen levels in the heart muscle of patients who might have blocked arteries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04126148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of breathing maneuvers as a method to assess myocardial oxygenation in patients suspected of having coronary artery stenosis. It utilizes Oxygenation-Sensitive Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OS-CMR) to identify areas of oxygenation deficit in the heart muscle, comparing the results to the established clinical standards of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and instant wave-free ratio (iFR). The goal is to validate a non-invasive imaging technique that could improve diagnostic accuracy for coronary artery disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with symptoms indicating coronary artery disease and a positive test for inducible ischemia.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical conditions affecting cardiovascular or respiratory systems, or those with contraindications to MRI, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive diagnostic tool for identifying myocardial oxygenation issues in patients with coronary artery stenosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using breathing maneuvers for myocardial assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in non-invasive imaging techniques for cardiac evaluation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy Participants

* Age: \> 40y
* No known current or pre-existing significant medical problems that would affect the cardiovascular or respiratory system.

CAD Patients

* Age \> 18 y
* Indication for invasive coronary angiography based on symptoms and a test positive for inducible coronary ischemia, or previous coronary angiography.

Exclusion Criteria:

ALL participants:

* General MRI contraindications: Pacemakers, defibrillating wires, implanted defibrillators, intracranial aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eyes, knowledge or suspicion of pregnancy.
* Consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, "energy drink") during the 12 hours prior to the exam.
* Regular nicotine consumption during the last 6 months.

Patients only

* Vasoactive medication (e.g. nitro) during the 12 hours prior to the exam Contraindications to adenosine (2nd or 3rd A-V block, sinus node disease, asthma, bronchoconstrictive diseases).
* Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), or previous Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
* Previous myocardial infarction within 1 month
* Clinically unstable condition
* Significant or uncontrolled arrhythmia

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery Stenosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.