For Patients
CLINICAL TRIALS
The MGH Thoracic Aortic Center physicians participate in a variety of clinical trials, which is advantageous to patients because clinical trials offer access to the newest technologies. Often advances in treatment are introduced in the form of FDA approved clinical trials, and participation in such trials is the only avenue for access to these treatment methods. An example of a new technology that was first available only in clinical trials is Thoracic Aortic Stent Grafting. Because of our extensive experience in the treatment to thoracic aortic diseases, the MGH Thoracic Aortic Center is a leader in such clinical trials.
Specific information about two of our current trials is listed below. For more information on current clinical trials, contact the Thoracic Aortic Center at: 617-724-4747.
THE GENETICS OF THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSMS:
We now know that a significant proportion of aortic disease is inherited, and in rare cases genetic testing is available to define the cause of aortic aneurysm and aortic valve abnormalities. Many more individuals have a strong family history, but the genetic cause is not yet known. At the Thoracic Aortic Center we have pioneered an approach combining the clinical screening of family members for aortic disease with research designed to better understand the genetic causes of these diseases. Within the Thoracic Aortic Center there are cardiologists with expertise in the genetics of cardiovascular disease so that this aspect of care can be seamlessly integrated into the overall plan for each patient and their family.
Currently we are collecting detailed information and a blood sample for DNA from each patient with aortic disease. Where appropriate the screening of family members is undertaken, usually with echo, CT scan or MRI, but occasionally using genetic testing. Some form of such screening is standard of care in the asymptomatic relatives of those who have presented with a major thoracic aortic syndrome, as serial evaluation is useful in predicting who is at risk for developing clinical disease. In some cases the entire family will be collected for genetic studies. Our research efforts are designed not only to identify the genes that cause aortic diseases, but also to better understand how the inherited forms of aortic disease progress, and how genetic information can be used to help with the management of patients. Ultimately, we anticipate that through better understanding mechanisms of aortic disease we will be able to offer new treatments and prevention strategies.
For more information about the trial, or to discuss enrolling, please contact Linda Pitler, RN, MSN, CCRC, the Thoracic Aortic Center research nurse, by phone at 617-643-0686 or by e-mail at lpitler@partners.org.
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STENT GRAFTING
(minimally invasive procedure) for treating descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms:
In certain circumstances, and for certain aneurysms that do not involve the ascending aorta, there is a new technique known as stent graft repair. It is a minimally invasive approach for descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Such stent-graft procedures can only be performed at select medical centers by physicians specifically trained in this field. In addition, these stent-grafts can only be carried out when the patient’s aortic anatomy is appropriate; if not, a standard surgical procedure will have to be performed. The major advantage of this method is the avoidance of the large chest incision that open surgery requires. The MGH Thoracic Aortic Center has been the regional leader in this technology, and has the largest experience in New England using stent-grafts. Recently, the FDA approved the first of these devices for the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. There are currently three multicenter clinical research studies taking place to determine the optimal use of these stent grafts, and MGH is active in all three of these trials. To learn more about the stent-graft clinical trial or to find out if you are eligible to enroll, please contact Jennifer Finn, R.N. by phone at 617-726-8875 or by e-mail at jfinn1@partners.org.
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Thoracic Aortic Center Contact
Information
 617-724-4747
Massachusetts General Hospital Thoracic Aortic Center
55 Fruit Street, YAW-5800
Boston, MA 02114
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