Hypertonic Solution in Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Coronary Artery DiseaseThis is a comparison between Hypertonic versus isotonic solution in a double blind randomized trial for off pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery targeting the left marginal branch. Hypertonic solution should provide better tolerance for heart mobilization with less volume expansion and less drugs.
The Effects of Vitamin K2 Supplementation on the Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification
Coronary Artery DiseaseBoth Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC)and its annual progression are a strong predictors of cardiovascular events. The development of arterial calcification results from imbalance between calcification promoting and inhibiting factors. An important inhibitor of calcification is Matrix Gla Protein (MGP): a protein present in the vascular wall where it is synthesized by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC). MGP requires Vitamin K-mediated carboxylation to function properly. Deficiency of Vitamin K has been demonstrated to cause arterial calcification and a diet containing large amounts of Vitamin K2 was associated with lower CAC and cardiovascular risk. In animal studies, active supplementation of Vitamin K2 caused regression of existing arterial calcification. Therefore, the aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is to investigate whether daily supplementation of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7) to patients with established CAC will lead to a decreased progression-rate of CAC after 24 months of follow-up in comparison to placebo.
Myocardial Stress Perfusion Imaging With Dual Source CT
Coronary Artery DiseaseThe investigators propose a novel technique using dual source multidetector computed tomography (DSCT) where information on both coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion is obtained in a single scan. The investigators hypothesize that a coronary CTA protocol can be devised to obtain resting myocardial perfusion, myocardial perfusion after stress, and coronary anatomy. Hence, one diagnostic test will be able to detect the presence of coronary plaque as well as assess the functional significance of a stenosis.
Myocardial Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Regadenoson
Ischemic Heart DiseaseThis is a pilot study to determine whether the drug regadenoson can be used during magnetic resonance imaging to assess regions of poor blood flow to the heart. The hypothesis of this study is that a single injection of regadenoson could be used instead of a standard adenosine infusion to produce coronary vasodilatation and demonstrate myocardial ischemia during first-pass perfusion cardiac MRI.
Risk Reduction in Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart DiseaseStudy hypothesis: Multifactorial risk reduction in coronary heart disease can reduce the risk of new coronary heart disease and death
Caffeine's Effect on Regadenoson Administration With Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography...
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)Observe whether the administration of caffeine prior to regadenoson will affect the interpretation of test results in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing SPECT MPI
Surgical Manipulation of the Aorta and Cerebral Infarction
Coronary Heart DiseaseStroke1 moreThe purpose of the study is to compare two surgical strategies for coronary artery bypass grafting with respect to the occurrence of cerebral infarctions made visible by magnetic resonance imaging
Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) to Predict Fluid Responsiveness During Cardiac Displacement in Patients...
Ischemic Heart DiseasePulse pressure variation (PPV) known as a dynamic preload index is increasingly being used for guide of fluid management under various clinical situations. We hypothesized that PPV could play a role as a predictor of fluid responsiveness during displacement of the heart in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB).
Multidisciplinary Inpatient Palliative Care Intervention
Cerebrovascular AccidentCancer16 morePalliative care is believed to improve care of patients with life-limiting illnesses. This study evaluated the impact of a multi-center randomized trial of a palliative care team intervention on the quality and cost of care of hospitalized patients. Study subjects were randomized to intervention or usual care. At study end, patients receiving the palliative care intervention reported greater patient satisfaction with their care. Intervention patients also had significantly fewer ICU admissions and lower total costs for care 6 months past their hospitalization. Intervention patients completed more advance directives and had longer hospice stays.
Multi Detector-Row Computed Tomography (MDCT) Calcium Score of Heart Transplanted Patients
Coronary Artery DiseaseThe purpose of the study is to determine if calcium score can be used as a predictor of coronary artery disease in heart transplanted patients, as it is used in non-transplanted persons.