RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multimodal Analysis of Endomyocardial Biopsies

This research study is looking at heart tissue samples from people who are already having a special heart test called an endomyocardial biopsy. The goal is to get a much clearer picture of what's happening at a tiny, chemical level in various heart conditions, such as heart transplant issues, swollen heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), or inflammation (myocarditis). By identifying unique patterns in the body's chemicals and immune system signals, scientists hope to develop better ways to diagnose these diseases earlier and find more effective treatments. If you're having a biopsy, you might be asked to provide an extra small sample for this important research.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Essen

Enrolment target

216

Start

27 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2028

Heart Transplantation Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)Myocarditis, Pericarditis Amyloidosis Cardiac Cardiomyopathies Sarcoidosis of the Heart

What is this study about?

This research study is trying to understand more about several different types of heart problems, including conditions where the heart muscle is weak (like dilated cardiomyopathy), thick (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), inflamed (myocarditis or pericarditis), or has unusual build-ups (amyloidosis, sarcoidosis of the heart). It also looks at how the heart is doing after a transplant.

The scientists are using a very detailed approach to examine tiny pieces of heart muscle tissue. They are looking for specific chemical messages and signals from the body's defence system (immune system) that are linked to these different heart conditions. By finding these unique 'signatures', they hope to improve how doctors diagnose these illnesses and find better ways to treat them in the future.

To do this, they will ask people who are already having a routine heart biopsy to provide a very small extra tissue sample. This extra sample will then be studied using advanced laboratory techniques to uncover these hidden clues.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying heart tissue to improve diagnosis and treatment for various heart diseases.
Participation involves providing a tiny extra heart tissue sample during an already planned biopsy.
This study aims to find specific chemical and immune signals linked to heart conditions.
No extra clinic visits, treatments, or blood tests are required beyond your planned biopsy.
Your involvement helps advance heart disease understanding for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and are already scheduled to have a heart biopsy as part of your normal medical care. It's important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to give your permission to participate.

You would not be able to join if you are not having a heart biopsy for medical reasons, if you are pregnant, or if you can't understand what participating means and therefore can't give your consent. Women who could become pregnant would also need to be using reliable contraception.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you already scheduled to have an endomyocardial biopsy for medical reasons?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
If you are a woman who could become pregnant, are you using reliable contraception?
Are you currently pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be quite simple. You are already scheduled to have a heart biopsy as part of your usual treatment. During this procedure, the doctor will take one extra, very small sample of heart tissue specifically for this research study. Apart from this additional sample collection during your planned biopsy, there are no extra clinic visits, blood tests, or follow-up appointments required for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for participating in this study, but your contribution could help doctors better understand and treat heart conditions for many others in the future. The main risk involved is the extra, tiny tissue sample taken during your planned biopsy, which carries minimal additional risk to the biopsy procedure itself. Remember, you can decide to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Germany
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an endomyocardial biopsy?

It's a procedure where a doctor takes a very small piece of heart muscle tissue using a catheter, usually to help diagnose heart conditions.

Will I have to pay to join this study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate in this research study.

Will taking an extra sample harm me?

The extra sample is very small and is taken during a procedure you're already having. It's not expected to increase the risks of the biopsy you are already having.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your direct involvement in the study is limited to the time of your heart biopsy when the extra tissue sample is taken.

Will I get results from my tissue sample?

The results from this research are usually for groups of people and not individual patients. You won't receive individual results from your specific tissue sample.

How to find out more

Lars Michel, PD Dr. med.

lars.michel@uk-essen.de +49 0201 723 84841 Official trial record

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