Comparing standard and high frame rate ultrasound for heart disease assessment

High Frame Rate Contrast Enhanced-ultrasound for the Assessment of Ischaemic Heart Disease

Observational London North West Healthcare NHS Trust · NCT03850015

This study is testing if high frame rate ultrasound can give better images for diagnosing heart disease compared to standard ultrasound in people with coronary artery disease or those at low risk for it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon North West Healthcare NHS Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Harrow, Middx)
Trial IDNCT03850015 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high frame rate ultrasound imaging compared to standard ultrasound imaging in patients with coronary artery disease or those at low risk for heart disease. Participants will undergo imaging with two different ultrasound systems, capturing both standard and high frame rate images before and after the administration of a contrast agent and during pharmacological stress. The goal is to determine if high frame rate ultrasound provides additional diagnostic information that could improve heart disease assessment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed coronary artery disease or those assessed as low risk for coronary heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions, significant pulmonary disease, or those unable to undergo pharmacological stress may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of heart disease diagnosis and improve patient outcomes through better imaging techniques.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of high frame rate ultrasound is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing imaging techniques for cardiovascular assessment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria Either

* Ability to give informed consent
* age ≥18years and
* confirmed inducible wall motion / perfusion abnormality on previous stress echocardiogram
* known coronary artery disease - defined by presence of flow-limiting coronary stenosis(\>70% diameter stenosis) on coronary angiography.

OR

• patient who has been assessed as at low risk of having coronary heart disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to undertake pharmacological stress, ie previously known intolerance to dipyridamole;
* Moderate or Severe aortic or mitral regurgitation or severe mitral stenosis;
* Significant pulmonary disease like severe COPD or pulmonary fibrosis;
* Atrial fibrillation;
* Inability to provide informed consent;
* Pregnancy and lactation;
* Known allergy to Sonovue
* Patients with second and third degree heart block, unless they have a pacemaker fitted
* Systolic BP \< 90
* Known Myasthenia Gravis
* Bronchial asthma

Where this trial is running

Harrow, Middx

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 Diseaseechocardiography
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.