Saint Joseph’s Research Institute is known as a leader in the field of translational research, engaging in programs that translate the best of science and technology into improved, practical care for cardiac and vascular patients.
The most basic tenet for offering clinical trials is to bring new treatments to patients who otherwise would have few, if any, real options left to them for their conditions.
Spanning preclincal, clinical and outcomes research, ongoing studies at SJRI include:
Angiogenesis - SJRI is one of six institutes in the world undertaking these trials, offering one of the most exciting advances in the treatment of vascular disease. The research focuses on gene and protein therapies aimed at increasing blood vessel growth in patients with vascular disease whose hearts or limbs lack adequate blood supply.
Autologous bone marrow cell therapy for heart failure - Autologous bone marrow cell transplants involve removing bone marrow cells from a patient, culturing them in-vitro and then transplanting them back into the same patient’s damaged heart muscle. Preclinical studies have verified that once implanted into the heart muscle, these autologous bone marrow cell transplants improve heart function.
Autologous skeletal myoblast transplant therapy for heart failure – Saint Joseph’s is one of five hospitals in the country participating in these clinical trials. SJRI evaluated the safety of this procedure during pre-clinical work and is now conducting further clinical studies. Regenerative therapy involves removing myoblasts from a patient’s thigh muscle, culturing them in-vitro and implanting into that same patient’s damaged heart.
Autologous connective tissue cells to treat cardiac rhythm disorders - research focuses on reducing and/or eliminating EP problems in heart attack victims. Current studies involve injecting connective tissue, rich in collagen, into the damaged heart muscle to block the pathways of abnormal electrical impulses, maintaining a stable heart rhythm and reducing the incidence of future heart attacks.
Cardiothoracic and vascular tissue engineering – SJRI is currently investigating the use of new tissue engineering techniques to repair or replace damaged heart muscle and valves. The Institute also is researching materials to stimulate organ regeneration, and evaluating new surgical devices and equipment.
In addition to its cardiovascular studies, SJRI’s research programs are expanding into other areas where Saint Joseph’s physicians and staff have clinical expertise including renal disease, orthopaedics and diabetes treatment.
Vascular graft for renal dialysis – SJRI is the principal investigation site for a trial studying a new surgical method of implanting a renal dialysis graft for dialysis patients that will reduce or eliminate the need for additional surgeries or re-interventions.
Pre-Vent III Trial –a three-year study (enrollment closed) evaluating vein grafts treated with a substance that helps prevent the development of blockages.
Bioglue – currently testing the use of bioglues to arrest bleeding during vascular surgery.
Subclavian Balloon pump – developed by a Saint Joseph’s vascular surgeon, this procedure entails the placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump through the axillary artery just under the collar bone (clavicle). The balloon pump is positioned in the aorta and helps a failing heart, assisting its pumping action in the critical days while a patient waits for a heart transplant. The procedure allows the patient greater mobility and comfort compared to balloon pumps placed in the aorta via the groin, and provides a lifesaving bridge to transplantation. Patients with axillary pumps have survived up to 104 days, compared to 4 -5 days with groin-placed devices.
For more information about Saint Joseph's Reasearch Institute and clinical trials call 404-843-6050.
