AHIRATE is a study that has completed enrollment but follow-up continues. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias in pacemaker patients. In addition, the sponsor is interested in whether or not this diagnostic feature may help physicians with the medical management of heart rhythm problems. Patients are seen every 6 months for 2 years as part of their routine pacemaker follow-up.

Empiric is a study that is for patients who are going to be having an internal defibrillator implanted. If a Medtronic Marquis DR defibrillator is implanted, consenting patients will be randomized to one of two different series of parameters. Physicians have been setting the defibrillators at certain parameters for years and the Marquis has new technology that may better treat certain arrhythmias. Patients will have visits at 3, 6 and 12 months post-implant and information about their heart rhythms, the occurrence of any abnormal heart rhythms, and any shocks the ICD delivers, will be collected and observed at all follow-up visits.

OAT is a study focusing on benefit of opening a completely blocked artery even though the heart attack is completed. If the artery causing the heart attack is totally blocked 72 hours after a heart attack, patients will be eligible to participate in this study. The decision of whether to open the occluded artery is very controversial and the standard of care varies from treatment center to treatment center as well as from physician to physician. This study will help establish the best future therapy.

Ontarget / Transcend is a study for patients at least 55 years of age. People with coronary artery disease, poor circulation in the legs, stroke, TIA, or diabetes with complications are at increased risk of suffering from further heart attacks, strokes, heart failure or death. In, a previous trial entitled the HOPE trial it was found that ramipril, an ACE-Inhibitor, is useful in reducing the risk of these events in people with such conditions. A different class of drug called an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker may be as effective as Ramipril or the combination of the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (called Telmisartan) and Ramipril may be more effective. The study will examine whether Telmisartan and Ramipril in combination is more effective in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure or death as compared with Ramipril alone Telmisartan alone. Patients are seen every 6 months for the duration of the study (5 years).

SHIELD is a study for patients with automatic internal defibrillators that is comparing two different doses of azimilide, an investigational, new drug not yet FDA approved with a placebo (inactive tablet) to see whether azimilide will prevent (avoid) or decrease the irregular heart beats that are normally require AICD therapy. Approximately 625 people will take part in this study at approximately 120 study centers in North America and Europe. Patients who successfully complete the first phase of the study (remain in the study for 365 days) will be eligible for a planned study, in which everyone will take azimilide.

Synergy is an inpatient study for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (chest pain and/or have experienced a heart attack or had heart attack symptoms) who will have an angiogram to check for any blocked vessels. The purpose of this research study is to determine if a new anticoagulant (a medication that decreases the ability of the blood to clot), Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is more effective in the prevention heart attacks than the standard anticoagulant (Unfractionated heparin). Approximately 8000 patients will be entering this study at approximately 450 different cardiology centers in the United States, Canada, and Germany. The study medication is given only while in the hospital, with follow-up lasting up to 1 year with a brief visit at 30 days and then phone contact at 6 and 12 months.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these trials, please e-mail us using "Contact" below.