Esophageal varices

This study tests whether treating enlarged stomach veins (gastric varices) early with a procedure called retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) can prevent dangerous bleeding. 68 adults with cirrhosis and gastric varices will be randomly assigned to either RTO or standard care…

This trial tests whether applying sucralfate—a medication that forms a protective barrier over wounds—directly onto esophageal ulcers after variceal banding can speed healing and reduce rebleeding. The study includes adults with cirrhosis who have bleeding esophageal varices. Par…

This study tests a new procedure for people with a completely blocked main portal vein who have had at least two episodes of dangerous variceal bleeding. Doctors will use ultrasound to guide a needle into a vein in the gut, then try to reopen the blocked vein or create a new bypa…

This study looks at whether adding L-carnitine, a natural substance, to standard care can improve outcomes for critically ill adults with liver disease in the ICU. About 58 participants with conditions like liver failure or severe infections will be enrolled. Researchers will tra…

This study tests whether the blood thinner rivaroxaban can safely improve outcomes in people with liver cirrhosis who have both a blood clot in the portal vein and a high risk of variceal bleeding. About 175 participants will receive rivaroxaban or standard care starting 48 hours…

This small pilot study will test a program where nurses and general practitioners help breast cancer survivors who also have heart disease make healthy lifestyle changes. The program includes exercise, diet changes, quitting smoking, and stress-reducing activities like yoga. The …

This study tests whether the drug vericiguat can prevent serious heart and organ problems in people undergoing heart surgery. About 600 high-risk patients will receive either vericiguat plus standard care or standard care alone. The goal is to see if vericiguat reduces early comp…

This study compares a new procedure using a special stent (underdilated VCX-TIPS) with standard treatment (endoscopic banding plus beta-blockers) to prevent variceal rebleeding in people with cirrhosis. The new approach uses a smaller balloon to expand the stent, aiming to lower …

This study tests a new method for closing the breastbone after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using special knotless barbed sutures and a skin adhesive. Researchers will compare 401 adults who receive this new closure to past patients who had standard closure. The go…

This study looks at two treatments—endoscopy and a procedure called TIPS—to prevent repeat bleeding from enlarged veins in the stomach or esophagus caused by liver disease. Over 1,000 adults with this condition will be followed for a year to see which approach works better. The g…

This study tests a fiber-optic navigation system that gives doctors a 3D view during a procedure called TIPS, which treats complications of liver cirrhosis like fluid buildup or bleeding. About 30 patients will be enrolled to see if the device reduces the number of needle sticks,…

This study tests whether a special clinic where heart, kidney, diabetes, and liver doctors work together can help people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease get better control of their blood pressure and cholesterol. About 150 adults will be randomly assigned to either usual c…

This study tracks 152 adults with cirrhosis who receive a special stent to treat complications like fluid buildup in the belly or bleeding from enlarged veins. The stent creates a new blood-flow path in the liver. Researchers will monitor how well it works and its safety over 2 y…

This phase 3 trial tests whether adding albumin to standard treatment reduces re-bleeding and death in adults with cirrhosis who have acute variceal bleeding. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either albumin for three days plus standard care, or standard car…

This study tests a community-based exercise program for people aged 50 and older who have at least two chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or obesity. The program is designed to improve muscle strength, heart and lung fitness, and overall well-being. R…

This study tests a new procedure using an endoscopic ultrasound to guide the injection of tiny particles into the spleen, reducing blood flow and lowering the risk of dangerous bleeding in people with liver cirrhosis. The goal is to see if this method is safer and more effective …

This study tests whether taking vitamin B supplements before and after heart surgery can lower the chance of serious problems like heart attack, stroke, or irregular heartbeat. About 1,000 adults having heart surgery will take either vitamin B or a placebo daily for 6 months afte…

This study looks at whether a medical-grade smartwatch (CardioWatch 287-2) can improve a 13-week virtual cardiac rehab program for people with heart disease. About 216 participants will either use the watch or not, and researchers will compare their progress in areas like exercis…

This study tests Mobili®, a portable digital dispenser that automatically gives the right pills at the right time. Researchers will enroll 96 adults with diabetes or heart disease who take at least two daily medications. Participants use the device for a period, and the study mea…

This study tests a new radioactive tracer called 18F-FAPI-74 that may help detect scar tissue (fibrosis) in the heart and lungs earlier than current methods. Researchers will compare this new PET/CT scan to standard imaging in 210 adults with conditions like lung disease or heart…

This study looks at whether non-invasive tests like blood counts and spleen size can accurately predict the presence and severity of enlarged veins in the esophagus (varices) in children with portal hypertension. Researchers will compare these simple markers to the standard metho…

This study looks at whether a special MRI scan can safely rule out high-risk varices (enlarged veins that can bleed) in people with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Instead of using a camera tube down the throat (endoscopy), researchers will test an MRI-based model. If it works, ma…

This phase 3 trial tests whether vonoprazan, a newer acid-blocking drug, is better than rabeprazole at preventing ulcers and bleeding after endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) in people with cirrhosis. About 300 adults with esophageal varices will take one of the two drugs da…

This pilot study explores whether non-drug strategies like virtual reality or relaxing soundscapes can reduce anxiety and pain in adults undergoing scheduled coronary angiography or angioplasty. Participants will be assigned to listen to calming sounds, experience a virtual reali…

This pilot study compares recorded gut-directed hypnosis to an educational recording for hospitalized patients with chronic gut problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Participants listen to the recordings over the phone while in the hospital for…

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) applied to a nerve cluster in the neck can improve sleep quality and heart rate control in people recovering from heart surgery. 200 participants will receive either real or sham ultrasound daily for 3-7 days after …

This study looks at whether a supplement called Neurofast® can help people who have both anxiety and heart problems. 80 adults aged 18-70 will take the supplement or no extra treatment for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure.

This study tests whether adding a short, guided mindfulness meditation session to standard cardiac rehabilitation can help heart patients feel better and control their blood pressure. Eighty adults with heart disease will be split into two groups: one gets standard rehab plus med…

This study will compare cannabis, opioids, and two non-drug therapies (MIRE and TENS) in 1,000 people with chronic pain or circulatory disorders. The goal is to find safer, less addictive pain relief options. Researchers will measure changes in pain and nerve function using objec…

This study uses advanced 4D MRI scans to measure blood flow and heart function in adults with heart disease or cancer. Researchers aim to see if these detailed images can help predict how these diseases will progress. The study involves 1,000 participants who are already schedule…

This study will interview 15 people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK who have heart disease. The goal is to understand their views on the diet and lifestyle advice they get from doctors, and whether it fits their cultural and religious customs. Researchers hope to learn…

This study tests whether it is possible to run a larger trial comparing two ways of using a breathing machine (ventilator) in critically ill heart patients who need help breathing. The two modes are volume-controlled (delivers a set amount of air each breath) and pressure-control…

This study surveys doctors who use Concerto Versa detachable coils to treat various blood vessel conditions like aneurysms and varicose veins. About 30 patients will be included, and doctors report how well the coils work and any problems within 72 hours. The goal is to collect e…

This observational study at a French hospital will ask 20 heart rehab patients and their care teams about what stops them from getting or offering psychological and social support. The goal is to understand these barriers so that hospitals can better help patients return to work …

This study aims to see if a quicker MRI scan can produce images of blood vessel walls that are just as good as the standard, longer scan. Researchers will enroll 15 adults who already need a vessel wall MRI as part of their care. The faster scan will be compared to the regular on…

This study looks at whether a simple, non-invasive ultrasound can predict the risk of dangerous bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus (varices) in people with liver cirrhosis. Researchers will measure spleen size and a key blood vessel diameter on ultrasound and compare t…

This pilot study will test whether a women-focused education program, called Cardiac College for Women, helps women with heart disease learn more about their condition and feel better. About 50 women in cardiac rehab across Canada will either get the program plus usual care or us…

This study will look at how consistently nearly 6,000 adults in Italy take three newer cholesterol-lowering drugs (inclisiran, evolocumab, and alirocumab) over the long term. Researchers will analyze prescription records to measure adherence and persistence in everyday medical pr…

This study will test new MRI methods to find early signs of heart disease in 1000 adults. Researchers want to see if these scans can detect tiny changes in heart muscle before standard tests do. Participants will have MRI scans and blood work, but no treatment is given. The goal …

This study will follow 2,500 patients with liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension who are scheduled for elective medical procedures. Researchers want to find out how often bleeding happens and what factors predict it, beyond standard blood tests. The goal is to improve safety by …

This large registry study will follow over 2,700 postmenopausal women aged 45-75 who use newer forms of hormone replacement therapy (creams, gels, sprays). The goal is to see if these modern delivery methods lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular event…

This study will follow 4,000 intensive care patients aged 80 and older to see how chronic and acute heart conditions impact their survival, daily function, and quality of life. Researchers will use simple tests to measure frailty and independence. The goal is to help doctors bett…

This study will follow 500 Beijing residents aged 60 and older to see how urinary function (like bladder and kidney health) relates to the development of multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Participants will have regular health checks, bl…

This study will ask 380 heart patients and healthcare workers at Assiut University Heart Hospital to fill out questionnaires about depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. No treatments or changes are given—the goal is simply to find out how common these mental health problems a…

This study will test whether an artificial intelligence (AI) system can detect pulmonary hypertension and other heart diseases using a smart stethoscope. Researchers will collect heart sound and ECG recordings from 1,000 adults already scheduled for routine echocardiography. The …

This study looks at how sleep disorders and problems with the body's automatic functions (like heart rate control) are linked in elderly people with heart disease. Researchers will study 210 patients aged 65 and older to find out how common sleep issues are and how they affect he…

This study will look at 150 infants and children aged 1 month to 4 years who are admitted to a hospital gastroenterology unit with a gastrointestinal disease. The goal is to find out how common electrolyte disturbances (like low sodium or potassium) are in these children. By meas…