Research
Our Vision
To be recognized as a leader in clinical cardiology, drug and device development and testing.
To transfer cutting edge technology from the bench to the patient's bedside
To provide the highest level of quality research service to all of our patients.
Our Mission
- To improve the clinical management of patients with cardiovascular disease.
- To serve our patients by offering innovative therapies within a comprehensive, patient-focused cardiology practice.
- To serve our community by conducting clinical trials of promising new therapies and sponsoring peer-targeted educational events.
What We Do
In 1999, St. Paul Heart Clinic developed a research division designed to perform high quality clinical research within a large private cardiology practice. As part of a broad-based program Research Division physicians and staff seek to expand the knowledge of current and developing therapies by conducting clinical trials in Electrophysiology (EP), Heart Failure, Intervention, Imaging and Prevention. The Research Division participates in a wide spectrum of clinical studies ranging from single-center, investigator-initiated studies to multi-center international.
Since 2000, the division has:
- Participated in all stages of research from Phase I to post-market approval
- Completed over 150 studies
- Recruited over 2500 patient participants
- Completed 13,000 visits
- Published 65 papers
- Presented 80 Abstracts
Our Team
The Research Division team includes board-certified cardiologists, clinical scientists, registered nurses and regulatory specialists who work together to discover innovations that will lessen the burden and impact of cardiovascular disease.
Current Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clinical Research?
The purpose of a clinical research study or trial is to find a better way to detect, prevent, control or cure a disease or disorder. Clinical trials test new drugs, devices or procedures that are used for medical care. Studies may also be used to compare different treatments for the same condition, to see which treatment is better or to test new uses for treatments already in use. Trials are sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations such as foundations, phamaceutical companies, device companies and federal agencies such as the national Institues of Health (NIH).
Why is Clinical Research Important?
Advances in medicine and science result from new ideas or approaches developed through research. Clinical trials help identify how safe and effective a treatment is for its intended use. In the US, new drugs or devices must be shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can approve them for use. A research study has shown that patients involved in research are more likely to achieve better care because they are more closely monitored and have more staff attending to their care. See reference: http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/168/6/657.
Why Should I Participate?
Participation in clinical trials is the only way that new and better treatments can be approved for the treatment of medical conditions like heart disease. There are many reasons that people choose to participate in clinical research. Study participants may want to play a more active role in their health care or gain access to alternative treatments before they are available to the general public. Others want to contribute to research efforts that may help others in the future. If you choose not to participate in a clinical trial, your decision will not negatively affect your quality of care.
What Can I Expect?
The clinical research process depends on the kind of study being conducted. The study team includes doctors, study nurse coordinators, as well as other healthcare and research professionals. They monitor the health of the participant throughout the course of the study, provide specific instructions for following the study protocol, and assess the effects of the treatment. Some clinical studies involve more tests and office visits than a participant would normally have. Study participation is most successful when the protocol is carefully followed and there is frequent contact with the research staff.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether or not to participate. It is a continous process throughout the study to provide information for participants. The informed consent document includes details about the study, such as its purpose, duration, required procedures and key contacts. Risks and potential benefits are explained in the informed consent document. The participant then decides whether or not to sign the document. Informed consent is not a contract, and the participant may withdraw from the trial at any time. Every study is different. Your meeting with the Research staff is your opportunity to ask questions and learn what you need to know before you make a decision.
Where Can I Get More Information?
www.fda.gov
Brochures
Becoming a Research Volunteer, It's Your Decision
http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/outreach/documents/3panelfinal.pdf
www.clinicaltrials.gov
Contact the Director, Research Operations at 651-726-2716 for more information.
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