Cardiology clinical research
The Royal Devon has an excellent reputation for clinical research. We deliver a wide range of clinical research studies focusing on different types of heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation.
Our research includes studies that have the potential to improve people’s quality of life, increase understanding of cardiology conditions, and facilitate new and better ways of diagnosing and preventing disease.
Our dedicated teams work collaboratively across Research and Development, including the Commercial Research Centre and the NIHR Exeter CRF, to explore new treatments, therapies, and care pathways through clinical research.
EASi-HF Preserved Trial
The EASi-HF Preserved Trial is looking at an investigational treatment option for people with chronic heart failure (HF).
This investigational treatment option is a combination of an investigational medication with an approved medication for HF.
If you are 18 years of age or older, and are being treated for HF that was diagnosed at least three months ago, you might be able to participate.
Please contact us to find out more about the trial: email us: rduh.crcexeter@nhs.net or call 01392 406289.
BalanceD-HF
BalanceD-HF is a clinical research study investigating whether two medicines working together are better at protecting heart and kidney health than one on its own.
Because HF and impaired kidney function are so closely linked, it’s important that we find new treatments that can effectively manage both conditions together. This is why we are looking at whether two study treatments (balcinrenone + dapagliflozin), working together, may help to protect your heart and kidney health at the same time, and more effectively than dapagliflozin on its own.
If you are interested in taking part in BalanceD-HF, please speak to your doctor or a member of the study team. They will be able to give you more information and help you decide what is best for you
Librexia Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) study
The Librexia Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) study is for adults who have had a heart attack in the past seven days who are at risk of having another heart attack or stroke, or of developing blood clots.
The main goal of the Librexia study is to see if the study medication is effective in reducing the risk of a future heart attack or other cardiac events, such as a blood clot somewhere in the body, or a stroke.
The study will recruit approx. 16,000 participants around the world, and is looking for adults who have had a heart attack in the past 7 days and are at risk of having another one despite receiving the standard of care for heart attack provision.
About 1 in 5 people who have a heart attack will go on to have a second one within 5 years. Some medications given after a heart attack, while important to take, may increase the risk of bleeding. The Librexia ACS study is looking to see if the study medication may provide a new treatment option that may help decrease the chance of having another heart attack, developing a blood clot, or having a stroke without causing a significant increase in bleeding.
If you, or someone you care for, are interested in learning more, speak to the study team: rduh.prcexeter@nhs.net
01392 406289
EASY-AS
The EASY-AS study aims to find out whether early aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery gives better health results and is more cost-effective than waiting and monitoring people who have severe aortic stenosis, but no symptoms yet.
Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve becomes thickened or calcified (bony) and is less able to open. As a result, the blood flow across the valve is abnormal and means that a heart murmur can be heard when your heart is listened to by a stethoscope.
If you have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis (AS), you may be invited to take part in the study. Speak with your cardiology team to learn more about how to take part.
The BRITISH study
Research has shown that patients who have scar tissue in their heart, seen on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR), are at a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms. We would like to test whether the presence of scar tissue on CMR can be used to decide if patients need an ICD or not.
If you would like to take part in the BRITISH study, speak with your cardiology team to find out how to get involved.