Clinical Trials

Through clinical trials, the Angiographic Core Lab, and the Data Coordinating Center, CRF investigators are involved at any one time in more than 250 studies, large and small, local, national and international, all designed to gain insight and elevate the quality of care given to patients with vascular disease.

For example, CRF recently has led or participated in clinical trials that included:

• Drug-eluting stents and stent grafts
• Potent antiplatelet and antithrombic medications that may be used in conjunction with angioplasty to treat heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease
• Other novel devices and drugs for advanced heart disease and diffuse atherosclerosis
• Numerous antirestenosis pharmacologic studies
• Device and drug synergy
• New strategies for acute myocardial infarction, vascular brachytherapy, gene– and protein–based angiogenesis therapy for end-stage heart disease
• Stem cell implantation techniques to regenerate diseased heart muscle
• Distal protection devices
• Innovative strategies for carotid artery disease
• Novel imaging modalities

Many preliminary trials begin at Columbia University Medical Center or with one of CRF's other affiliates: Duke University, Stanford University or the CDC in Atlanta. Other trials begin abroad, in CRF-affiliated research programs. All adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the FDA and/or other international governing bodies.

Promising results in preliminary trials often lead to clinical multicenter studies which are conducted in various locations across the US and around the world. CRF's experience and expertise in shepherding important research and novel devices through the arduous process from conception to final FDA approval are unparalleled. Each investigative protocol involves working closely with site partners, industry, academia, and the FDA.