Using PET scans to monitor heart transplant patients for complications
Official title: Multiparametric Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Surveillance After Heart Transplantation
Run by Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT06089486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if regular PET scans can safely monitor heart transplant patients for complications instead of the usual invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 576 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | March 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06089486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are heart transplant recipients aged 18 years or older who are between 2 to 10 years post-transplant.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe aortic stenosis, significant AV block, or other contraindications to dipyridamole or coronary angiography will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The MARINER trial evaluates the effectiveness of noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) for monitoring cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant patients compared to traditional invasive coronary angiography (ICA). This multicenter, randomized trial will assess whether PET is non-inferior to ICA in terms of patient outcomes, including death, retransplantation, and graft dysfunction. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either annual PET scans or ICA for surveillance, with various secondary outcomes also being measured, such as quality of life and healthcare resource use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer, noninvasive method for monitoring heart transplant patients, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored noninvasive imaging techniques for cardiac monitoring, but this specific approach comparing PET to ICA is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Post heart transplant 2-10 years. 2. Age ≥18 years. 3. Able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to dipyridamole due to severe aortic stenosis. 2. Contraindication to dipyridamole due to 2:1 or greater AV block without pacemaker. 3. Contraindication to dipyridamole due to severe bronchospasm. 4. Unable to undergo coronary angiography due to allergy to iodinated contrast. 5. Unable to undergo coronary angiography due to glomerular filtration rate ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2. for non-dialysis patients as determined by local laboratory analysis. 6. Unable to undergo coronary angiography due to unsuitable vascular access. 7. Treated rejection ≤1-month. 8. Unstable angina or MI ≤7 days.
Where it's running
-
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Toronto-General Hospital - University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Montreal Heart Institute
Montreal, Quebec, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sharon Chih — Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Study coordinator: Sharon Chih
- Email: schih@ottawaheart.ca
- Phone: 613-696-7000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Investigating antiplatelet therapy to prevent complications in heart transplant patients
This study tests if giving heart transplant patients early treatment with aspirin or clopidogrel can help prevent a common problem where their heart arteries narrow.
-
Evaluating microvascular function in heart transplant patients
This study is testing new ways to check blood flow in heart transplant patients to see if it can help spot early signs of heart problems that could lead to serious health issues.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.