Evaluating platelet activation in patients with heart support devices

Analysis of the Platelet Activity State in Patients Implanted With Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)

Observational Scientific Institute San Raffaele · NCT03255928

This study is testing how well platelets work in patients with severe heart failure who are getting or have received a heart support device to see if it can help prevent complications.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorScientific Institute San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, MI)
Trial IDNCT03255928 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with end-stage heart failure who are either candidates for or have received a mechanical circulatory support device, such as a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). It aims to assess the patients' haemostatic and coagulation profiles, particularly platelet function, using innovative tests like the Platelet Activity State (PAS) assay and the Thrombin Generation Test (TGT). Measurements will be taken at various time points, including before device implantation, during hospitalization, and throughout long-term follow-up, to understand the dynamics of platelet function and its relation to thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. The findings may help identify therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include consenting patients with end-stage heart failure who are candidates for or have received short-term or durable mechanical circulatory support devices.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in patients with mechanical circulatory support devices.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored platelet function in similar contexts, but this specific approach using PAS and TGT is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All consenting patients candidates for short-term (Impella, ECMO) or durable (LVAD) mechanical circulatory support device implantation
* All consenting patients that are implanted with short-term (Impella, ECMO) or durable (LVAD) mechanical circulatory support device

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Patients \< 18-years old

Where this trial is running

Milan, MI

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 ThrombosisBlood Coagulation DisorderPlatelet ThrombusPlatelet Dysfunction Due to AspirinFailureVentricularPlatelet activationVentricular Assist Device
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.