Evaluating portal vein flow variability to assess right-sided heart congestion

Portal Vein Flow Variability to Quantify Right-Sided Hemodynamic Congestion: A Proof-Of-Concept Study

NA · Vrije Universiteit Brussel · NCT05411263

This study is testing a new imaging technique to see if it can better measure blood flow and pressure in the veins of heart failure patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorVrije Universiteit Brussel (other)
Locations1 site (Jette, Brussels)
Trial IDNCT05411263 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the accuracy of a comprehensive venous Doppler echography, focusing on the portal vein pulsatility index (PVPI), to quantify right-sided venous pressures measured invasively. It includes a substudy that correlates invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic measurements using the Kino-cardiograph device. The goal is to improve the understanding of hemodynamic congestion in heart failure patients through advanced imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for right heart catheterization due to heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with significant anatomical variations of the portal veins or advanced liver disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate assessments of right-sided heart congestion, improving patient management in heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using Doppler echography is established, the specific application of PVPI in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 year old and able to provide informed consent;
* Consecutive patients scheduled for right heart catheterisation by a dedicated heart failure specialist at the Centre of Cardiovascular Diseases (University Hospital Brussels, Jette, Belgium).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major anatomical variations of the portal veins (agenesis of left and right portal vein) and/or arterio-portal vein fistula;
* Patients with Child-Pugh B or C liver cirrhosis or liver transplant;
* Body Mass Index \< 20 kg/m².

Where this trial is running

Jette, Brussels

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Congestion, Heart Failure, Right Heart Catheterisation, Central Venous Pressure, Doppler Echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, Central venous pressure, Right heart catheterisation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.