Thank you for your interest in the IMPROVE-AD study. The results from IMPROVE-AD will help doctors understand how best to treat type B aortic dissection. If you choose to take part, you may be able to help improve the lives of people with this condition in the future.
What are the treatments being studied in IMPROVE-AD?
Participants in the IMPROVE-AD study are randomly placed in one of two groups. If you choose to take part, you have a 50% chance of being in either group. The treatments given to both groups are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All study treatments are appropriate care practices for type B aortic dissection.
TEVAR + Medical Therapy
The first study group will receive a minimally invasive procedure called TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) along with medicine. During the TEVAR procedure, doctors insert a stent, or small metal tube, into the damaged part of the aorta through a small cut in the patient’s groin. Each person’s regular doctor will choose the appropriate medicines to give them.
Medical Therapy + Monitoring
The second group will receive medicine and routine check-ups. This is a standard treatment approach for type B aortic dissection. Each person’s regular doctor will choose the appropriate medicines to give them. If your condition changes and your doctor feels you need a procedure or different treatment, you can still receive it. This may include TEVAR if your doctor thinks it is necessary for your care.
Researchers and doctors want to know which treatment works best for type B aortic dissection.
What can I expect while taking part in IMPROVE-AD?
Study participation will last up to six years. About 45 days after you start the study, the study team will follow up with you by phone. They will call you every six months after that. The phone calls will take about 30 minutes. During these calls, the study team will ask you:
- How you are feeling.
- What medicines you are taking.
- If you have been to the hospital or had any procedures recently.
- To take your blood pressure. You will receive a machine to take your blood pressure at home.
Follow-up Schedule
Physician and Participant Video
Watch the video below to learn more.
If you have questions about the study, please email IMPROVE-AD_PRO@duke.edu or call 833-815-2367.
Use the camera on your smartphone to scan this QR code and add the call center phone number to your phone.
