Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

This study tests whether a personalized catheter ablation approach, guided by mapping low-voltage areas in the heart, works better than standard ablation for people with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib). About 510 adults with persistent AFib will be randomly assigned to rece…

This study looks at 3,500 people with severe tricuspid regurgitation, a common heart valve problem in older adults. It compares medical therapy (diuretics), surgery, and a less invasive transcatheter procedure to see which works best and when to treat. The goal is to improve surv…

This pilot study tests whether using advanced imaging (ECGI, MRI, and PET scans) to identify abnormal heart tissue and electrical circuits can improve catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Fifty-two adults with persistent AF who have not had prior ablation will re…

This study compares two catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition where the heart beats irregularly. One method uses a standard approach with a drug called adenosine to find missed spots, while the other adds an extra ring of ablation without the drug…

This study tests whether using a specific set of measurements (an algorithm) to decide between repairing or replacing a leaky mitral valve leads to better outcomes than letting the surgeon choose. About 110 patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation will be randomly assig…

This study looks at two treatment options for people who have both a leaky heart valve (ischemic mitral regurgitation) and blocked heart arteries. One option is open-heart surgery to fix the valve and bypass the blockages at the same time. The other is a less invasive procedure t…

This study tests whether an iodine-coated barrier dressing applied before surgery can reduce bacteria around heart devices like pacemakers. About 390 adults having a device replacement or upgrade are randomly assigned to get the dressing before or after the incision. Researchers …

This study looks at whether existing blood markers can accurately identify the underlying cause of heart failure in 511 patients. Researchers aim to improve diagnosis and potentially reduce healthcare costs by avoiding unnecessary tests. Participants were recently diagnosed with …

This study tests a new exercise program for people with coronary artery disease who have had heart surgery or a stent. The program combines high-intensity interval training with Nordic walking (walking with poles). Researchers want to see if it is safe, enjoyable, and better at i…

This study compares two types of heart bypass surgery for people with blocked arteries: a minimally invasive approach using small incisions between the ribs versus the traditional method that opens the breastbone. Researchers want to see if the less invasive surgery leads to bett…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to motivate smokers who are not interested in quitting within the next 30 days. Over 14 days, the app provides counseling, education, reminders, and gamification to help users become more ready to quit. Researchers will track changes in …

This study tests whether a program of counselling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help e-cigarette users quit vaping. 180 regular vapers will be randomly assigned to receive either counselling alone or counselling plus NRT. Researchers will track self-reported quitting…

This pilot study is testing whether it's possible to run a larger study that focuses on heart disease in women. Researchers will gather information from 176 women aged 25-55 in Ontario who have had certain female-specific health issues like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or…

This study looks at whether giving a personalized dose of a radioactive tracer (rubidium-82) based on a patient's weight can improve the quality of PET heart scans. Researchers will enroll 48 adults with known or suspected heart disease and divide them into four weight groups. Th…

This study looks at whether a pre-surgery test called FFR can predict how well arterial bypass grafts work six months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). About 120 patients with multi-vessel heart disease will have an FFR test during their diagnostic angiogram. Six mont…

This study tests better ways to detect early artery narrowing in new hearts after transplant, a condition called cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). About 80 adult heart transplant patients will be followed within their first three months to compare advanced imaging and blood t…

This study tests whether adding automatic reminders to echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) reports can increase the number of patients with heart valve disease who see a cardiologist within six months. Researchers will randomly assign 300 patients' reports to receive no prompt, a p…

This pilot study tests whether a simple 'Talk Test' can safely and effectively prescribe exercise for heart patients recovering at home after bypass surgery or stent placement. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to get exercise instructions based on either the Talk Test…

This study looks at whether long-term use of a breathing device called adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) can improve how the heart uses energy and how nerves work in people with heart failure and sleep apnea. Researchers will use PET scans to measure heart metabolism and nerve fun…