Evaluating the timing of coronary angiography in patients after cardiac arrest

Direct or Subacute Coronary Angiography in Patients With Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Without Coma. A Prospective Randomized Study.

Not applicable Interventional Aarhus University Hospital Skejby · NCT04876222

This study is testing whether doing heart imaging right after a cardiac arrest helps patients recover better than waiting a day or so, especially for those who are awake and not showing severe heart damage.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAarhus University Hospital Skejby Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Aalborg and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04876222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the benefits of performing acute coronary angiography (CAG) versus subacute CAG in patients who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The research aims to determine if immediate CAG provides better outcomes compared to performing the procedure 12-24 hours later, particularly in patients who are not comatose and do not show signs of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study is part of a larger international effort to improve treatment protocols for OHCA patients. It includes multiple Danish tertiary centers collaborating to gather data on this critical intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults who have experienced a witnessed cardiac arrest, achieved ROSC, and have a Glasgow coma scale score greater than 8.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, have an obvious non-cardiac cause for their arrest, or present with STEMI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols for patients who survive cardiac arrest, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies, such as the DISCO study in Sweden, have shown promise in evaluating the role of acute CAG in comatose patients, but this specific approach in non-comatose patients is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Witnessed Cardiac Arrest
* ROSC
* CAG possible within 120 minutes
* Glasgow coma scale \>8

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years
* Obvious non-cardiac cause for the arrest
* Terminal illness
* STEMI

Where this trial is running

Aalborg and 6 other locations

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 Cardiac Arrest, Out-Of-HospitalAngiographyPercutaneous Coronary InterventionComa
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.