3 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Hemodynamic measurements obtained during pulmonary artery catheterization are essential for the diagnosis and classification of pulmonary hypertension. Traditionally, right heart catheterization (RHC) is done in the supine position. Cardiac output is known to change significantly based on position, due to the effects of gravity on venous return. There has not been a systematic investigation into these postural effects on pulmonary arterial pressures nor their effect on the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. It is our intent to study the differences in measurements obtained during RHC when the patient is supine, seated, and standing.
Right ventricular (RV) failure is recognized to worsen patient outcomes in the setting of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)-related pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet the investigators fall short in trying to identify and treat it. The current proposal will (1) determine the best clinical indicators of intrinsic RV myocyte contractile failure in humans with HFrEF-PH, (2) clarify underlying mechanisms, and (3) test novel treatments on RV myocytes. The long-term goal of this proposal will be to better identify and treat RV failure in humans suffering from HFrEF-PH.
Endothelin-1 is a powerful substance that may be involved in causing hemodynamic instability (problems related to unstable blood pressure) during and after open heart surgery. Tezosentan is an investigational intravenous drug that blocks the endothelin receptors. This clinical trial will assess the potential benefit of tezosentan compared with placebo in the treatment of patients undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Treatment time is from the start of surgery up to 24 hours.