Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

This study looks at a common heart problem where the mitral valve leaks because of heart disease. Currently, surgeons choose to repair or replace the valve based on their own experience. This trial tests a new approach: using a set of specific measurements (an algorithm) to decid…

This study compares two treatments for people with a leaky heart valve (ischemic mitral regurgitation) and blocked heart arteries. One group gets open-heart surgery to fix the valve and bypass the blockages. The other group gets a less invasive valve repair first, followed by byp…

This study compares two ways of doing a heart procedure called catheter ablation for people with atrial fibrillation (a fast, irregular heartbeat). One group gets the standard treatment plus a drug to find missed spots, while the other gets extra ablation circles. The goal is to …

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 will be randomly assigned to get the dressing before or after the incision. The goal…

This study compares two catheter ablation methods for people with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of irregular heartbeat. About 500 participants will either receive standard treatment (isolating the pulmonary veins) or a tailored approach that also targets areas of lo…

This study compares two ways to do heart bypass surgery for people with blocked arteries. One method uses a small cut on the left side of the chest (minimally invasive), while the other opens the breastbone (traditional open-chest surgery). The goal is to see which approach helps…

This study looks at whether existing biomarkers (substances in the blood) can accurately determine the underlying cause of heart failure in 511 patients. Participants were recently diagnosed with heart failure. The goal is to improve diagnosis and potentially save costs by reduci…

This study explores whether a new exercise program that combines high-intensity interval training with Nordic walking (using poles) can improve physical and mental health in people with coronary artery disease. Researchers will test if this whole-body workout is a safe and enjoya…

This study tests whether a program of counselling plus nicotine replacement therapy (like gum or patches) helps e-cigarette users stop vaping. 180 regular vapers will be randomly assigned to receive either counselling alone or counselling plus nicotine therapy. Researchers will c…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to motivate smokers who are not yet ready to quit. About 382 adult smokers in Ontario, Canada, will use the app to see if it increases their readiness to quit, helps them make quit attempts, and leads to actual smoking cessation. The goa…

This study looks at 80 heart transplant patients to find better ways to detect early artery disease in the new heart. Current tests often miss the small arteries that can become narrowed, leading to heart failure. Researchers will use advanced imaging and blood tests to catch the…

This study looks at 3,500 adults with severe tricuspid regurgitation (a leaky heart valve) to compare medical therapy, surgery, and a less invasive catheter procedure. The goal is to find which treatment works best and when to use it. Participants are matched by their risk score …

This study aims to improve the quality of PET heart scans by adjusting the amount of radioactive tracer (rubidium-82) based on patient weight. Researchers will compare image quality across different weight groups in 48 adults with known or suspected heart disease. The goal is to …

This study looks at whether adding automatic reminders to heart ultrasound reports can increase the number of patients with heart valve problems who see a cardiologist within six months. About 300 patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation will be ra…

This study looks at whether a breathing device called adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), used for 6 months, can improve how the heart uses energy and how well the heart's nerves work in people with heart failure and sleep apnea. About 60 adults will have heart scans and heart rate…

This study looks at whether a test called FFR, done before heart bypass surgery, can predict how well the new artery grafts work six months later. About 120 people with multiple blocked heart arteries will have FFR measured during their initial heart catheterization. After surger…

This pilot study tests whether advanced ECG mapping, MRI, and PET scans can better identify the heart tissue causing persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Researchers will use these images to guide a personalized catheter ablation procedure in 52 adults with persistent AFib. The…

This study looks at whether the Talk Test—a method where patients exercise just enough to still speak comfortably—can safely replace standard lab tests for prescribing exercise in home-based cardiac rehab. Forty adults who recently had heart surgery or a stent procedure will be m…

This study is a first step toward creating a heart disease risk score designed specifically for women. Researchers will follow 176 women aged 25-55 who have had conditions like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or early menopause, which can raise heart risk. The goal is to bet…