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The University of Freiburg Medical Center Extracorporeal Organ Support Device Registry

This study at the University of Freiburg Medical Center is collecting important information from patients who are receiving a type of life support called extracorporeal organ support. These are machines that help your organs, like your heart or lungs, when they are not working properly. The study is a registry, meaning it carefully records details about your treatment without directly interfering with it. This helps doctors better understand how these machines are used and how patients respond to them, which can lead to improvements in care for future patients needing similar support. It's about learning from current treatments to make future care even better.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University Hospital Freiburg
Enrolment target
1,500
Start
29 Apr 2014
Estimated completion
31 Dec 2035

What is this study about?

The University of Freiburg Medical Center is running a study to learn more about a type of life support called 'extracorporeal organ support.' This is when special machines are used to help your organs, like your heart or lungs, when they are struggling to work on their own. You might know some of these machines as ECMO (which helps your heart and lungs), Impella (which helps your heart pump), or IABP (another type of heart pump).

This study isn't about testing a new treatment. Instead, it's a 'registry.' This means the medical team is carefully collecting information that is already part of your medical care, such as details about your health and how well the treatment is working. They will record this information in a way that protects your privacy, so your name won't be directly linked to the data.

The main goal is to understand more about how these important life support machines are used in real-life situations. By gathering this data from many patients, doctors can learn which treatments work best, identify any common issues, and ultimately improve the care for everyone who needs this kind of advanced support in the future. It's all about making sure patients get the best possible care when they are very unwell.

Key takeaways

  • This study helps doctors learn about life support machines.
  • It collects information from your existing medical care.
  • Your treatment will not change if you participate.
  • Your personal details will be kept private.
  • The information helps improve care for future patients.
  • You can choose not to join or leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, the main thing is that you are receiving a type of life support called 'extracorporeal organ support' at the Freiburg University Medical Center.

This means if you are connected to a machine that helps your heart or lungs (like ECMO, Impella, or IABP), you would be considered for the study. There are no other specific requirements or anything that would prevent you from taking part, such as particular illnesses or conditions. The study is open to patients of all ages and genders.

Because it's a registry, it's about observing and collecting information from existing treatments, rather than introducing new ones. So, if you're already receiving this kind of life support, you're likely eligible.

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.

  1. Am I (or my loved one) receiving life support through a machine that helps organs like the heart or lungs?
  2. Is this treatment happening at the Freiburg University Medical Center?
  3. Am I comfortable with my medical information being used anonymously to help future patients?
  4. Am I of any age or gender?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this registry, it will not change your medical treatment in any way. The medical team will simply collect information that is already part of your routine care at the hospital. This includes details about your condition and how your treatment with the life support machine is progressing. You won't need extra hospital visits, additional tests, or new medications just for this study. The total duration of your participation would be for as long as you are receiving this specific life support treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks from taking part in this registry, as it only involves collecting information from your existing medical records and treatments. There are also no direct personal benefits to you, but the information collected will help doctors learn more and improve care for future patients needing similar life support. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, which means you can decide to stop being part of the study, and this will not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

  • University of Freiburg Medical Center
    Verified postcode
    Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'extracorporeal organ support'?

It's a type of medical treatment where special machines help your body's organs, like your heart or lungs, when they're not working well enough on their own.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change how you are treated. The doctors will continue your care as usual.

How will my personal information be kept private?

Your information will be 'pseudonymised,' which means your name won't be directly linked to the data collected, protecting your privacy.

Why is this study being done?

The study aims to help doctors learn more about how to best use these life support machines and improve care for future patients who need them.

Can I decide not to be in the study?

Yes, you or your legal representative can decide not to participate, or withdraw at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Tobias Wengenmayer, Prof. Dr.

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "The University of Freiburg Medical Center Extracorporeal Org…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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