New imaging tool could make heart bypass safer during valve surgery

NCT ID NCT03977129

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study compares two methods for deciding which blocked heart arteries need bypass during valve surgery. The standard method uses angiography (X-ray dye), while the new method uses a computer calculation called QFR. About 792 patients will be randomly assigned to one method, and researchers will track major complications like death, heart attack, or stroke within 30 days after surgery. The goal is to see if QFR leads to fewer problems by more accurately identifying which blockages truly need treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) imaging software

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that using QFR to decide which blocked arteries need bypass during valve surgery reduces complications like heart attack or stroke within 30 days.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage study with 792 patients, but it only looks at short-term outcomes (30 days). The results may not apply to all patients or long-term benefits, and the new method might not be better than standard care.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder heart valve disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Changhai Hospital of Shanghai

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

  • Fujian Medical University Union Hospital

    Fuzhou, Fujian, China

  • Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital

    Zhengzhou, Henan, China

  • Qilu Hospital of Shandong University

    Jinan, Shandong, China

  • Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200025, China

  • Shanghai Chest Hospital

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

  • The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University

    Qingdao, Shandong, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University

    Hefei, Anhui, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

    Zhengzhou, Henan, China

  • The Second XiangYa Hospital of Central South University

    Changsha, Hunan, China

  • Tianjin Chest Hospital

    Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, China