Comparing two methods for assessing patent foramen ovale in stroke patients
Official title: Standardized Goal-Directed vs. Self-Directed Valsalva Maneuver for the Assessment of Patent Foramen Ovale
Run by Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT06670781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a guided breathing technique works better than a self-directed one for checking a heart condition in stroke patients to help improve diagnosis and reduce the chance of future strokes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 488 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ottawa, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06670781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are patients referred for a clinically indicated transthoracic echocardiography and bubble study due to cryptogenic stroke.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to perform a self-directed Valsalva maneuver or cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a standardized goal-directed Valsalva maneuver compared to a self-directed Valsalva maneuver for assessing patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The study aims to improve the accuracy of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with bubble study, which is crucial for diagnosing PFO, especially in young patients. By refining the maneuver technique, the trial seeks to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes associated with PFO. Participants will be recruited from those referred for clinically indicated TTE and bubble studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of patent foramen ovale, potentially reducing the incidence of recurrent strokes in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches in improving diagnostic techniques for patent foramen ovale, indicating potential for this method.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients referred for a clinically indicated TTE and bubble study Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent * Inability to insert an IV line * Inability to perform a Self-Directed Valsalva maneuver * Patient wishing to keep his mask on
Where it's running
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University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. David Messika-Zeitoun, MD — Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Study coordinator: Dr. David Messika-Zeitoun, MD
- Email: dmessika-zeitoun@ottawaheart.ca
- Phone: 6136967337
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.