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Soltero Cardiovascular Research Center
Cara East, MD, FAC, medical director
for Soltero Cardiovascular Research
Center (SCRC) at Baylor University
Medical Center at Dallas, continued her
more than 25-year tradition of leading a
team driven to facilitate cardiovascular
studies, many of which have helped
launch new treatment options for heart
and vascular patients. “As a health care professional, I am
excited every day to see cutting-edge treatments evolve
from research being conducted here and at other centers
around the world,” Dr. East says. “Patients who take part
in clinical research trials are making the world better for all
of us. All advances in medicine today occur after we have
tested the treatment in patient in clinical research trials.”
Leading research studies* conducted in fiscal year 2017
of particular note include:
1. SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED – Global Clinical
Study of Renal Denervation with the Symplicity
Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation system
in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the
absence of antihypertensive medications. Primary
investigators: James Choi, MD, and Cara East, MD.
2. SPYRAL HTN-ON MED – Global Clinical
Study of Renal Denervation with the Symplicity
Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation system
in patients with uncontrolled hypertension on
standard medical therapy. Primary investigators:
James Choi, MD, and Cara East, MD.
3. QUARK – A randomized, double-blind, placebo
controlled, Phase II study to evaluate the efficacy
and safety of QPI-1002 for the prevention of acute
kidney injury in subjects at high risk for AKI
following cardiac surgery. Primary investigators:
Cara East, MD, and Robert F. Hebeler, Jr., MD.
Thinking about the value of current research, Dr. East
commented, “The use of renal artery nerve ablation as
an alternative to medication therapy in hypertension was
pioneered eight years ago but has just recently been proven
to be helpful. Stem cells continue to be studied for heart
failure, to use in conjunction with LVAD therapy, and
for severe peripheral vascular disease in the setting critical
limb ischemia. Two investigational medicines have been
shown to protect the kidneys from acute kidney injury in
patients undergoing complex cardiovascular surgery.”
Cardiac Imaging Core Laboratory
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Baylor Scott & White Research
Institute recently expanded the Cardiac
Imaging Core Laboratory services
for the consolidation, tracking and
monitoring of data for worldwide
clinical research trials. Services include
echocardiography, cardiac CT and
cardiac MR imaging modalities. Led by Paul Grayburn,
MD, FACC, as the medical director for the Cardiac
Imaging Core Laboratory for Baylor Scott & White
Research Institute, the team helps advance cardiovascular
care through data collection and analysis.
The Cardiac Imaging Core Laboratory provides analysis
based on American Society of Echocardiology (ASE)
recommendations for its services. Protocols are adaptable to
the needs of the investigators.
Long known for expertise in heart and vascular care with
extensive research involvement, Baylor Scott & White
Research Institute welcomes this program’s growth. For more
information about the Cardiac Imaging Core Laboratory at
Baylor Scott & White, please contact 214.818.1803.
Key studies for fiscal year 2017 include:
• NeoChord/ReChord – Artificial mitral valve chordal
implant repair via percutaneous apical approach
compared to tradition open surgical repair for
degenerative mitral valve disease.
• SITRAL – Surgical implantation of Sapient XT valves
in patients with severe mitral annual calcium.
• Valtech Cardioband – REPAIR (Post-Approval) and
Valtech Cardioband – Transfemoral (European) –
Transcatheter mitral valve annuloplasty repair for
mitral regurgitation. Post market study – Europe,
Pivotal U.S. Trial.