Currently, the Division, in conjunction with the Keck School of Medicine, has the following research studies that are we actively screening for and enrolling participants in. Persons requesting additional information or are interested in potential participation are encouraged to call (323) 442-5752.

Link: V. Joy Hunt, RN, MSN

Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial (CREST)ProCol® Vascular Access Bioprosthesis
Sponsor - NIH/NINDS/UMDNJ
Facility - USC University Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center
Principal Investigator - Fred A. Weaver, MD, MMM

The purpose of this study is to compare results of treating narrowing of carotid arteries (carotid stenosis) with either carotid endarterectomy (surgery) or carotid stenting (metal device placed inside the narrowing of the carotid artery during an arteriogram). Enrolled subjects will receive extensive follow-up for 5 years or until the end of the study.

This study has 2 phases. All participants of the first phase (Lead-In Phase), if they meet criteria, will receive a carotid stent that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the narrowed carotid artery. During this phase, additional information about the use of the carotid stent, the stenting procedure and the use of a clot protection device will be collected. Although USC continues to enroll subjects into this phase of the trial, our focus is now on enrolling subjects into the second phase, which is the primary focus of this study.

The second phase (Randomization Phase) compares results of treating carotid stenosis with either carotid endarterectomy (surgery) or carotid stenting. Participants who meet criteria and consent to participate in this phase will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. The CREST physicians hope to enroll 18 subjects per year.

We are looking to enroll participants who:

1. are 18 years of age or older
2. have known carotid artery stenosis
3. are symptomatic (as evidenced by transcient ischemic attack or stroke) or asymptomatic (without symptoms)
4. can tolerate aspirin, Plavix or Ticlid (blood thinning medications)

Evaluation of Alfimeprase in Patients with Acute Peripheral Arterial Occlusion
Sponsor - Nuvelo, Inc.
Facility - USC University Hospital
Principal Investigator - Fred A. Weaver, MD, MMM

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of an experimental "thrombolytic" or clot dissolving drug (Alfimeprase) versus a placebo in dissolving an acute blood clot and restoring blood flow to the leg. Although Alfimeprase is an experimental drug, the FDA is permitting its use in this research study. Participants who meet criteria and consent to participate in this trial will be randomly assigned to one of three treatments.

We are looking to enroll participants who:

1. have onset of affected leg symptoms within 14 days of treatment
2. are male or female of any race or ethnicity
3. are 18 years of age or older
4. are not pregnant, lactating or women of child-bearing potential

Use of Recombinant Human Thrombin (rhThrombin) to Stop Bleeding During Vascular Surgery
Sponsor - ZymoGenetics, Inc.
Facility - USC University Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center
Principal Investigator - Fred A. Weaver, MD, MMM

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of rhThrombin and to compare how well it works to a commonly used drug to stop bleeding during either peripheral arterial bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the leg or surgery to establish a vascular access for hemodialysis. The physicians hope to enroll about 40 subjects over the next 3 months.

We are looking to enroll participants who:

1. are undergoing either peripheral arterial bypass surgery or having a vascular access placed for hemodialysis
2. are 18 years of age or older
3. are not pregnant within 14 days of the treatment

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) after Vascular Surgery
Sponsor – USC
Facility – USC University Hospital and LAC+USC Medical Center
Principal Investigators – Fred A. Weaver, MD, MMM and Howard Liebman, MD

The purpose this study is to evaluate the incidence of Heparin-Platelet Factor 4 antibodies (HIT antibodies), an acquired autoimmune thrombotic (clotting) disorder, occurring in patients after peripheral arterial bypass surgeries and their role in early graft failure (closure) and other thrombotic complications.

We are looking to enroll participants who:

1. are age 18 years or older
2. have known atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease (blocked arteries to the legs requiring surgery to restore blood flow)

1. Early Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneursysms (PIVOTAL)
   The purpose of this trial is to compare endovascular (inside the artery) aneurysm repair using the AneuRx Stent Graft System versus surveillance (monitoring) in participants with smaller (4-5 cm) diameter abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
2. Treatment of Thoracic Aneurysms with the Valiant Thoracic Stent Graft System
3. Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Acute Venous Thrombosis
4. New Treatment Option for Varicose Vein Sclerosis

Articles:

• Keck School physicians test a new clot-busting drug
• Research advances: The Vascular Screening Program
• USC Health Magazine: Braincounterattack--USC Physicians Approach Stroke-or Brain Attack-From All Angles, Including a Landmark Trial to Evaluate Stroke Prevention