Investigating graft failure after heart bypass surgery

Vein Graft Failure and Cardiovascular Consequences of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Observational University of Edinburgh · NCT06800430

This study looks at why heart bypass grafts fail by using special scans and tests on people who have had the surgery and those who might have problems with their grafts.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edinburgh, Midlothian)
Trial IDNCT06800430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to understand the causes of graft failure following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It will utilize total-body Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to examine inflammation, thrombosis, and fibrosis in saphenous vein grafts. Participants will be divided into two cohorts: one undergoing CABG surgery and another with suspected vein graft failure. Clinical reviews, blood sampling, echocardiograms, and advanced imaging techniques will be employed to gather comprehensive data over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 undergoing CABG surgery with at least one saphenous vein graft or those with suspected graft vasculopathy after previous CABG.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than two years, renal failure, or those on immunosuppressive therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of graft failure, potentially enhancing patient outcomes after CABG surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding graft failure, but the specific use of total-body PET imaging in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Cohort 1: Patients undergoing CABG surgery

* Males and females over 18 years of age
* Patients undergoing CABG surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease, who receive at least one saphenous vein graft

Cohort 2: Patients with symptomatic saphenous vein graft vasculopathy

* Males and females over 18 years of age
* Patients who underwent CABG surgery ≥ 5 years prior to recruitment for multivessel disease and received 2 or more saphenous vein grafts
* Referred for invasive coronary angiography due to recurrent symptoms and with a high suspicion of graft vasculopathy

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Patients with a life expectancy of \< 2 years
* Renal failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 mL/min/1.73 m2)
* Patients on immunosuppressive therapies
* Females of child-bearing age who are pregnant or breastfeeding,
* Known allergy or contraindications to iodinated contrast or radiotracer
* Patients who are unable to tolerate the supine position
* Patients who are unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Edinburgh, Midlothian

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 BypassGraft FailureCoronary Artery Bypass GraftCoronary Artery Bypass Graft SurgeryCABGgraft failurecoronary artery bypasscardiovascular
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.