Better care for people with recent-onset stable chest pain

A Pragmatic, Cluster-randomised Stepped-wedge Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a New Cross-sectoral Form of Care (NVF) in Patients With New-onset Stable Chest Pain and Suspected Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Not applicable Interventional Philipps University Marburg · NCT07476040

This project will test a new nationwide care model that uses coronary CT instead of routine cardiac catheterization for adults 30 and older with recent-onset stable chest pain to see if it lowers heart attacks, strokes, and healthcare costs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3369 (estimated)
Ages30 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPhilipps University Marburg Academic / other
Locations39 sites (Augsburg and 38 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07476040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

IMPRO is a stepped-wedge interventional implementation trial testing a new cross-sectoral care model (NVF) across 16 regions in 12 German federal states to increase guideline-based use of coronary CT for suspected coronary artery disease. The model aims to improve primary and cross-sectoral pathways so eligible patients with recent-onset stable chest pain can receive coronary CT as a less invasive diagnostic alternative to routine cardiac catheterisation. The trial will compare cardiovascular events, patient responses, and healthcare costs before and after NVF rollout, excluding patients with known obstructive CAD, recent negative coronary imaging, or acute coronary syndrome. The project is funded for 39 months with roughly €9.3 million in support.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 30 or older with suspected coronary artery disease and recent-onset stable chest pain who can give informed consent and are covered by statutory health insurance are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with known or previously treated obstructive CAD, recent negative invasive angiography or coronary CT, acute coronary syndrome, lack of statutory health insurance, or inability to consent are unlikely to receive benefit from this care model.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the NVF model could reduce unnecessary invasive catheterisations, lower procedure-related complications, prevent cardiovascular events, and save healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Large trials such as SCOT-HEART and PROMISE have shown coronary CT is an accurate, less invasive diagnostic alternative that can change management, so the diagnostic approach is evidence-based though this nationwide implementation model is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥30 years
* Suspected CAD with stable chest pain
* Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known or previously treated (with PCI or CABG) obstructive CAD (defined as at least one coronary diameter stenosis ≥50%)
* Acute coronary syndrome
* Negative invasive coronary angiography or coronary CT within the last 5 years
* Already enrolled in the study
* Not covered by statutory health insurance
* Unable to give consent

Where this trial is running

Augsburg and 38 other locations

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 DiseaseCoronary Heart DiseaseCoronary AngiographyPercutaneous Coronary InterventionEvidence-Based PracticeShared Decision MakingHealth Care Quality Assurancecomputed tomography
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.