IMPROVE-AD (IMPRoving Outcomes in Vascular DisEase – Aortic Dissection) is a clinical research study. The study aims to understand how best to treat type B aortic dissection. This is a condition involving a tear in the wall of the lower part of the aorta. The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Watch the video below to learn more about the study.
What is type B aortic dissection?
The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. With aortic dissections, a tear in the wall of the aorta occurs. The tear can prevent blood from flowing properly to the rest of the body. Type B aortic dissections happen in the lower part of the aorta where blood travels down towards the stomach. Most cases are uncomplicated. This means that the tear has only gone through the inner wall of the aorta and the blood supply to other organs has not been greatly decreased. People with this problem usually receive medicine or a minimally invasive repair procedure. This procedure is called thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). During TEVAR, a metal tube (called a stent), is inserted into the damaged part of the aorta through a small cut in the groin. No matter which treatment a patient receives, it is very important to have ongoing monitoring and care for this condition. Watch the video below to learn more.
Why is IMPROVE-AD being done?
Doctors aren’t sure how best to treat type B aortic dissection yet. Researchers want to help understand which treatment works best. Additionally, current data on treatments for type B aortic dissection do not provide enough information that applies to women or diverse racial and ethnic groups. IMPROVE-AD intends to change that.
Participants in the IMPROVE-AD study will be assigned to one of two groups. That means you have a 50% chance of being in either group. Researchers use this method to prevent bias. You will be told which group are placed in. One group will receive a minimally invasive procedure called TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) along with medicine, and the other group will receive medicine and routine check-ups. Both medical therapy and TEVAR are already performed for the treatment of type B aortic dissection in the United Stated. Researchers want to understand which treatment works best. To learn more about the study treatment groups, visit the participant page.
Each person’s regular doctor will choose the appropriate care to give them. If your doctor believes you need a different medicine, procedure, or treatment, you will still have the opportunity to receive it.
By taking part in IMPROVE-AD, you may be able to help improve the lives of people with type B aortic dissection in the future.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What treatments are being studied in IMPROVE-AD?
A: The study treatments are both already performed for the treatment of type B aortic dissection in the United States. Researchers want to understand which treatment works best.
One study group will receive a minimally invasive procedure called TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) along with medicine. The other study group will receive medicine and routine check-ups.
Q: What is type B aortic dissection?
A: Type B aortic dissection is a condition involving a tear in the wall of the lower part of the aorta. The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Most cases are uncomplicated, which means there is not a lack of blood flow to your internal organs. However, it is important to receive ongoing monitoring and care from your health care team.
For more frequently asked questions, visit the FAQs page at this link. If you have questions about the study, please email IMPROVE-AD_PRO@duke.edu or call 833-815-2367.
Who can take part?
Participants who may join IMPROVE-AD will:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have received a diagnosis of type B aortic dissection in the last six weeks.
- Not have a genetic condition that can affect the aorta, such as Marfan syndrome or Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- Sign up at a participating hospital.
Taking part in the IMPROVE-AD study is voluntary. You do not have to be in the study to receive your regular health care.