Treatment for exercise-related lung issues after surgery for blood clots in the lungs

Treatment of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Dysfunction in Symptomatic Patients After Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Phase 2 Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT03409588

This study is testing if a medication called Riociguat can help people who have trouble exercising after surgery for blood clots in their lungs feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT03409588 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This open-label study evaluates the effectiveness of Riociguat in patients who experience ongoing exercise intolerance at least six months after undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The study aims to determine if this medication can improve exercise capacity and overall quality of life in affected individuals. Participants will be monitored for their ability to perform an exercise protocol as part of the assessment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have undergone PEA or BPA for CTEPH at least six months prior and report ongoing exercise limitations.

Not a fit: Patients with residual pulmonary hypertension or those currently on PAH-specific vasodilator therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve exercise capacity and quality of life for patients suffering from exercise intolerance after pulmonary surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on a specific patient population, similar studies using Riociguat have shown promise in treating pulmonary hypertension, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients who underwent PTE or BPA for Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) at least six months prior to screening and report ongoing subjective exercise limitation,
* able to give consent
* able to perform a exercise protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with known Residual Pulmonary Hypertension (RPH) by RHC following PTE for CTEPH
* ongoing PAH-specific vasodilator therapy
* known contraindication to riociguat
* a physical limitation to completing an exercise protocol

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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 Chronic Thromboembolic DiseaseExercise Intolerance Post PEA SurgeryCTEDTreatment Post PEA surgery
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.