Understanding exercise effects on aortic aneurysm patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates how exercise impacts patients with aortic aneurysms by utilizing cardiac MRI to assess aortic function and elasticity during physical activity. The study aims to correlate exercise-induced changes in aortic properties with biomechanical characteristics of the aortic tissue, using advanced imaging techniques and mechanical testing. By analyzing these relationships, the research seeks to establish safe exercise levels for aneurysm patients, potentially improving their management and outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy controls for baseline comparison

   1. Must be 18 years or older
   2. No history of cardiovascular disease, neither hypertension, diabetes nor hypercholesterolemia
2. Aneurysm patients who have not yet been operated on but are currently being monitored

   1. Must be 18 years or older
   2. No history of operation for aortic aneurysm
3. Pre-operative aneurysm patients: imaged pre-operatively and 12 months

   1. Patients admitted at the CCF cardiothoracic services for elective surgery due to aortic aneurysms
   2. Must be 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

For all patients:

* Contra-indication for MRI

  * Heart pacemaker/defibrillator.
  * Electronic/implanted stimulators or devices, including deep brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, bladder stimulator, spine stimulator, neurostimulators; implanted electrodes or wires.
  * Cochlear implant or other ear implants.
  * Implanted drug pumps (insulin, narcotic/pain medications, drugs to treat spasticity).
  * Programmable shunt.
  * Aneurysm clips and coils.
  * Stents (not located in heart).
  * Filters (for example, blood clot filters).
  * Metal fragment in your body or eye (eg, BBs, bullets, shrapnel, metal pieces or shavings).
* Congenital heart diseases such as patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of aorta, ASD and VSD
* Presence of A-V fistula or intracardiac shunts
* Moderate or severe dysfunction in multiple valves
* Patients with significant claustrophobia
* Patients unable to pedal a supine bicycle
* Those who require supplemental oxygen

Specific Exclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy controls for baseline comparison

   1. Excluded if using cardioprotective medication
   2. Have a bicuspid aortic valve diagnosed using MRI
2. Pre-operative aneurysm patients: imaged pre-operatively and at 12 months a. Patients with traumatic aortic rupture

Where it's running

• Cleveland Clinic
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Deborah Kwon, MD — The Cleveland Clinic
• Study coordinator: Jonathan Putnam
• Email: putnamj2@ccf.org
• Phone: 740-701-8226

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Using mesh to prevent hernias after aortic aneurysm surgery

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  Recruiting Hôpital Fribourgeois · Villars-sur-Glâne · NCT06762561

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.