Using empagliflozin after aortic valve replacement

EMPagliflozin After Aortic Valve Replacement - the EMPAVR Study - a Randomized Clinical Trial

PHASE4 · Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06171802

This study is testing if the medication empagliflozin can help people who have had aortic valve replacement surgery feel better and improve their heart function.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment205 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark (other)
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06171802 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial aimed at patients with aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement. Participants will be assigned to receive either empagliflozin or a placebo for six months following their surgery. The study will assess the effectiveness of empagliflozin in reducing left ventricular mass and improving symptoms through routine clinical check-ups and echocardiography. Blood samples and symptom scoring will also be part of the evaluation process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are scheduled for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Not a fit: Patients with prior SGLT2i treatment, low ejection fraction, or significant renal impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve heart function and quality of life for patients after aortic valve replacement.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure has shown promise, this specific application in post-aortic valve replacement is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis AND Surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement within 14 days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior treatment with a SGLT2i
* Left ventricular ejection fraction \< 45%
* Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min
* Hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or placebo tablet
* Type I Diabetes
* Patients who do not understand Danish or English
* Women who are pregnant or are nursing or plan to become pregnant during trial

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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: Aortic Valve Stenosis, Aortic Valve Replacement, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, Aortic Valve, Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitor, SGLT2i, Empagliflozin

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.