Andreas Grüntzig Clinical Research Center

The MULTISTARS AMI study was initiated by the Department of Cardiology of the USZ and is conducted by the University of Zurich (sponsor) under the direction of PD. Barbara Stähli, MD (Principal Investigator, Head of Cardiology).

About half of all patients with an acute myocardial infarction (ST elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI) also have stenoses in non-infarct vessels. Recent studies have shown that these patients benefit from treatment of these stenoses. However, it is still unclear whether stenoses in non-infarct vessels are best treated as part of the initial procedure or as part of a second procedure three to six weeks later. The MULTISTARS AMI study is addressing this question and will provide important data to further optimize the treatment of our heart attack patients.

Patients with acute STEMI, stable circulatory status and multiple significantly narrowed coronary arteries can be included in the study.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: multistars@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

The CLEVER-ACS study was initiated by the Clinic of Cardiology of the USZ and is conducted by the University of Zurich (sponsor) under the direction of Prof. Frank Ruschitzka (Principal Investigator, Clinic Director Cardiology).

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in Switzerland and worldwide. Although great progress has been made in the treatment of myocardial infarction during the last years, it is important to further improve the outcome of myocardial infarction patients. The CLEVER-ACS study investigates whether the additional administration of an established anti-inflammatory medication (Everolimus, Votubia®), can reduce the infarct size and thus improve the prognosis. In the study, patients are treated with the anti-inflammatory drug or a placebo for a few days in order to favorably influence the excessive inflammatory reaction in the course of the myocardial infarction and thus reduce the infarct size. The infarct size is measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI).

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: cleveracs@usz.ch
Tel.: +41 43 254 04 93

The TAVI-PCI study was initiated by the Department of Cardiology of the USZ and is conducted by the University of Zurich (sponsor) under the direction of PD Dr. med. Markus Kasel and PD Dr. med. Barbara Stähli (Principal Investigators, Head Physicians Cardiology).

Approximately half of all patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (i.e., severe narrowing of the aortic valve) who are scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) also have narrowing of the coronary arteries. Both conditions cause discomfort and may affect the patient’s prognosis. Relevant narrowings of the coronary arteries are treated by balloon dilatation and stent implantation (percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI). The optimal sequence of catheter interventions in patients who have both aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery stenosis is unknown. Therefore, the TAVI-PCI study investigates which is the optimal sequence of interventions (“PCI before TAVI” versus “PCI after TAVI”). The procedures are performed according to currently valid guidelines. The study only compares the two possible sequences of procedures, not the procedures as such.

Contact: Studienteam AGCRC
Mail: tavipci@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This cohort study was initiated by PD Dr. med. Matthias Herman, Senior Physician Cardiology, at the USZ. Life expectancy is increasing in Switzerland due to medical progress and today’s prosperity, and the population of people over 80 years of age is growing. Although the elderly population is an important patient group, they are often underrepresented in randomized trials.  Therefore, in the cohort study “Aging Heart”, patients over 80 years of age with cardiovascular diseases are characterized in more detail and followed up over several years in order to gain further insights into disease progression and treatment from the data collected. This will allow conclusions to be drawn about the medical course of the disease and correlations between medical treatment and other diseases, life circumstances, quality of life, personal health behavior and life expectancy. In addition to gaining a better understanding of heart disease in old age, we would also like to increase our knowledge of the quality of life and psychological well-being of our elderly patients.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study is organized by Aarhus University Hospital (Denmark). PD Dr. Stähli (Head of Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

The study investigates two validated diagnostic methods (coronary angiography-based quantitative flow reserve [QFR] versus fractional flow reserve [FFR]) to assess the severity of narrowing of the coronary arteries, so-called coronary stenoses. The advantage of QFR is that it is a less invasive, gentler computer-based procedure. The aim of the FAVOR III study is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of QFR compared to the conventional FFR method in terms of outcome.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study is organized by the company V-Wave, Ltd. Prof. Frank Ruschitzka (Clinic Director Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the USZ.

This clinical trial is investigating a new therapy for heart failure. This is a disease in which the heart muscle has been damaged, e.g. due to a heart attack or high blood pressure, and gradually loses the ability to pump enough blood to supply the body. The heart can be affected in two ways, either it becomes weak and does not pump enough blood (this is called systolic heart failure) or it stiffens and can no longer take in enough blood (this is called diastolic heart failure). Both conditions eventually lead to fluid retention, resulting in increased pressure in the left side of the heart. The increased pressure leads to overhydration of the lungs. The usual symptoms of heart failure are due to the extra fluid or accumulation of fluid in the lungs and include, for example, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the feet or legs.

The RELIEVE-HF study is investigating whether a new therapy can improve these symptoms.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study is organized by CRO SSS International Clinical Research GmbH. PD Dr. med. Markus Kasel (Senior Physician Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI; use of the SAPIEN 3 or SAPIEN 3 Ultra aortic valve manufacturer: Edwards Lifesciences, Nyon, Switzerland) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement in women with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

The TAVI/LAAO study was organized by the University Heart Center Zurich, USZ (sponsor) and is being conducted under the direction of Philipp Jakob, MD (Principal Investigator, Senior Cardiologist).

In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, there is no comparison between blood thinning and atrial valve closure.

Therefore, in this study we would like to compare blood thinning with atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing minimally invasive valve replacement.

Contact: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study is organized by the Institut universitaire de cardiology et de pneumologie de Québec Université Laval in Québec (Canada). Dr. Philipp Jakob (Senior Physician Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

The aim of this study is to compare drug treatment with so-called “anticoagulants” (potent blood thinners acting on blood clotting factors) with dual platelet inhibition (aspirin plus clopidogrel) given for eight weeks after left atrial appendage closure in atrial fibrillation to prevent clot formation on the closure system (“occluder”).

We are conducting this study to further optimize therapy after atrial appendage closure.

Kontakt: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This registry was initiated by the Horten Center (Prof. Johann Steurer) and is conducted by the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich. PD Dr. med. Christian Schmied (Principal Investigator, Head Physician Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study.

The study is being conducted to develop an aid for estimating the probability of coronary artery disease, which will then be made available to physicians.

Kontakt: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This registry is organized by the AMIS Plus Steering Committee – AMIS Plus Data Center, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich. PD Dr. med. Barbara Stähli (Head of Cardiology) is responsible for the implementation of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

The AMIS Plus Registry has been collecting data on the diagnosis and treatment of patients treated for myocardial infarction throughout Switzerland since 1997.

The data of this study are the basis for a continuous improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction. In order to be able to record the treatment results of a hospital stay even better, we need a long-term observation.

Kontakt: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study (Aurora, GE-265-303) is conducted by the company GE Healthcare. PD Dr. med. Ronny Büchel (Head Physician Nuclear Medicine) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

Coronary angiography for this study is performed by the study physicians of the AGCRC.

Kontakt: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This registry is conducted by PD Dr. med. Barbara Stähli (Principal Investigator, Head of Cardiology).

Patients with suspected stenosis of the coronary arteries will be examined by cardiac catheterization according to current guidelines. In up to one third of these patients, high-grade narrowing of the coronary vessels can be excluded. If there is a suspicion of a disorder in the function of the coronary vessels, a so-called microvascular dysfunction or vasospasm, such a disorder can be tested during cardiac catheterization. This clinical picture has not yet been adequately researched. Therefore, these patients are included in the prospective CMD registry and characterized in more detail. Participation in the registry has no influence on the diagnostic or therapeutic measures performed. It is purely an observational study.

Kontakt: Trial Team AGCRC
Mail: agcrc@usz.ch
Tel: +41 43 254 04 93

This study is organized by Concept Medical Inc (USA). Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Christian Templin (Senior Physician Cardiology) is responsible for the conduct of the study at the University Hospital Zurich.

The study is aimed at diabetics who are scheduled for coronary angioplasty to treat one or more stenosis(s) in one or more artery(s) supplying the heart (coronary arteries). We are doing this study to compare the effectiveness and safety of two drug-eluting stents used to treat narrowed coronary arteries (Abluminus DES+ sirolimus-eluting stent from Envision Scientific and Xience everolimus-eluting stent from Abbott Vascular) in diabetic patients.

The goal of this study is to develop new treatments for patients with diabetes.