Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine

Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk for blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage, which in turn increases the risk for stroke.The WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage Filter System is a rounded, self expanding device that isolates the left atrial appendage and prevents clots from dislodging.This device can be permanently implanted in the ostium of the left atrial appendage during an interventional procedure. This device may eliminate the need for Coumadin, an anticoagulant medication often given to patients with atrial fibrillation.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tuzcu
Clinical Research Coordinator: Rose Bartow, RN (216) 445-7187

Carotid Stenting

Carotid stenting is a promising new therapy to treat blockages in the carotid arteries, which supplies the brain with blood, in order to lessen symptoms and prevent the risk of stroke. It is presently considered to be indicated for the treatment of patients who are at very high risk for more traditional surgeries and experimental for other patients who require treatment for blockages in the carotid artery.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Whitlow, and Dr. Bhatt, Dr. Bajzer
Clinical Research Coordinator: Susan Stein, RN (216) 445-0628, Rachael Pachuta, RN (216) 445-1460

Metabolic Syndromes

Patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization may be eligible to receive a medication for improving metabolic risk factors including lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as smoking cessation.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Raymond
Clinical Research Coordinator: Kim Brown, RN, (216) 445-2352

Mitral Valve Regurgitation

New technology is being studied using an implantable clip to repair a leaking mitral valve. This may be an alternative to open surgical procedures. To learn more:

• Two new approaches are being tested at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center to treat leaky mitral valves without surgery
• Percutaneous Repair of Mitral Valve Regurgitation Gets Two Steps Closer to Reality

Principal Investigators: Dr. Whitlow, Dr. Tuzcu
Clinical Research Coordinator: Kelly Brezina, RN (216) 445-6820

Sensitivity to Metal in Stenting

Inflammatory and allergic reactions to metal have been reported in patients with orthopedic, dental and other stainles steel implants. A study is looking at the association between presence of an allergic reaction to metallic substances used in the stainless steel and the incidence of in-stent restenosis.

Principal investigator: Golara Honari, M.D.,
Clinical Research Coordinator: Gerry McConnell, R.N., BSN, (216) 445-6471

Click here to learn more about the Section of Interventional Cardiology

© Copyright 1999-2006 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved. Revised 6/04