RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Identification of Lesion Characteristics in Coronary Plaques Using Multimodality Intravascular Imaging and Novel Photon-counting CT in Stable Angina

This study is investigating a new type of CT scan called Photon-counting CT (PC-CT). We want to see how well it can identify 'high-risk' plaques, which are fatty deposits that can build up in the heart's arteries and cause heart attacks. Currently, we often use an invasive method where a tiny camera is put inside the artery. This new PC-CT scan could be a safer, less invasive way to check for these problem areas in people with chest pain (stable angina). By comparing it to existing methods, we hope to make it easier and quicker for doctors to spot and treat dangerous heart conditions earlier, potentially saving lives.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

19 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

03 Apr 2029

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)Stable Angina Pectoris Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD)

What is this study about?

Imagine the pipes in your house getting furred up over time; something similar can happen in the arteries of your heart. This condition is called coronary artery disease. It's caused by fatty deposits, called plaques, building up and narrowing the arteries, which can lead to chest pain (stable angina) and even heart attacks. This is a big health concern in the UK.

Currently, to get a very close look at these plaques and decide if they're dangerous, doctors sometimes need to use a special camera on a thin wire that's guided right into your heart arteries. This method, while effective, is a procedure that can only be done in certain situations and carries some small risks. We are looking for better, safer ways to find these dangerous plaques early on.

This study is exploring a new type of advanced X-ray scan called Photon-counting CT (PC-CT). We believe this new scan could show us detailed pictures of these plaques, similar to the invasive camera method, but without needing to go inside your body. If this new scan works well, it could mean doctors could identify people at higher risk of heart problems more easily and safely. This would help them make better decisions about treatment, especially for those who might benefit from new medicines or procedures.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a new, non-invasive heart scan (PC-CT).
It aims to find dangerous plaques in heart arteries more safely.
Compares the new scan to current invasive methods.
Could help doctors treat heart disease better and earlier.
You won't get new treatments; it's an observational study.
Participation helps advance heart disease diagnosis.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be aged between 18 and 79. You should have stable chest pain (angina) and have recently had a special heart scan called a PC-CTA, which showed at least one area in your heart arteries that doctors want to investigate further. You would also need to be suitable for a procedure to widen your heart arteries, if needed, using a special guidance technique.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're over 80, or have had a heart attack very recently (in the last 3 months). We also can't include people with serious kidney problems, severe heart failure, or those who have had previous heart bypass surgery or a heart transplant.

Other reasons include being allergic to certain dyes used in scans, needing other specific heart surgery, or having very complicated artery blockages that can't be properly seen with the study's imaging methods. Pregnant women or those with a very short life expectancy (less than a year) also cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 79 years old?
Do you have stable chest pain (angina)?
Have you recently had a special heart scan called a PC-CTA?
Are you suitable for a procedure to widen your heart arteries, if needed?
Are you *not* pregnant and do not have very serious kidney or heart problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is an 'observational study', which means we will be carefully watching and recording information about your existing medical care and specific tests. You won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of this study. Your participation will involve having specific medical imaging tests and assessments that your doctor has already recommended for your heart condition. We will be comparing the results from the new Photon-counting CT scan with the results from the invasive imaging that you might be having as part of your usual care. The total duration of your participation would depend on your existing medical appointments and scans, as we would be collecting information around those.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that could improve how heart disease is diagnosed and treated in the future, potentially helping many people. As this is an observational study, you will not receive new treatments, but the information gathered from your existing medical tests will be valuable. There are no direct additional risks from participating beyond those associated with the medical tests and procedures you are already undergoing as part of your standard care. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London, Queen Mary University of London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is coronary artery disease?

It's when the blood vessels supplying your heart muscle get narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, like rust in a pipe. This can cause chest pain and heart attacks.

What is 'stable angina'?

Stable angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart doesn't get enough blood, often during activity or stress. It usually goes away with rest or medicine.

What is a 'Photon-counting CT' scan?

It's a new, advanced type of X-ray scan that can take very detailed pictures of your heart and its arteries, potentially showing problems without needing to go inside your body.

Will I get new medicine in this study?

No, this is an observational study. You will not be given any new medicines or treatments as part of the study. We are simply comparing information from tests you'd be having anyway.

Is this study safe?

Yes, it's considered very safe. You'll be having medical tests that your doctor has already recommended. The study mainly involves collecting and comparing information from these tests.

How to find out more

Ameer Hamid A Khan, MBBS BSc MSc

a.h.a.khan@qmul.ac.uk 447780356028 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.