Not yet recruitingPHASE2, PHASE3INTERVENTIONAL

Comparative Evaluation of Sustained meChanical AsPiration Thrombectomy and no Thrombus Modification for Pre-stent Thrombus bUrden Reduction in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Study: the CAPTURE AMI Study

The CAPTURE AMI study is investigating the best way to treat a serious type of heart attack called STEMI. This happens when a major artery supplying the heart is completely blocked by a blood clot. The study aims to find out if using a special device to remove a large blood clot first, called ‘sustained mechanical thrombectomy,’ works better than the usual treatment of just opening the artery with a balloon and stent. Doctors are enrolling patients aged 18 and over who have this type of heart attack with a significant clot. Half will receive the standard treatment, and the other half will have the clot removed first, followed by standard treatment. The goal is to see if removing the clot first leads to better outcomes.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

PHASE2, PHASE3

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

STEMI - ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

What is this study about?

When someone has a heart attack, especially a serious type called a STEMI, it means that a major blood vessel supplying the heart muscle is completely blocked. This blockage is usually a blood clot, and it stops blood flow, which can damage the heart.

The usual treatment involves an emergency procedure where doctors use a tiny balloon to open the blocked artery and then place a small mesh tube called a 'stent' to keep it open. This helps restore blood flow to the heart.

However, sometimes the blood clot is very large. In the CAPTURE AMI study, doctors are looking at whether adding an extra step to the usual treatment could be beneficial for patients with these large clots. This extra step is called ‘sustained mechanical thrombectomy.’ It involves using a special device to physically remove the large blood clot before the balloon and stent are used. The study aims to compare these two approaches to see if removing the large clot first leads to better results for patients.

Key takeaways

It's about treating a serious type of heart attack (STEMI).
Compares standard treatment with an extra clot removal step.
Specifically for patients with large blood clots in a main heart artery.
Researchers want to see if removing the clot first leads to better outcomes.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are having a serious type of heart attack called a STEMI. To be considered, your heart attack must be caused by a blood clot in one of your main heart arteries that is 3mm or wider, and doctors must see a large amount of clot during your initial angiogram.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, already have severe kidney disease, or if your heart attack symptoms started more than 12 hours before treatment. You also can't participate if you have very low blood levels (anaemia) or have had certain other heart procedures or conditions.

Importantly, the doctors will make sure to check all these details carefully to decide if this study is suitable and safe for you.

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 currently having a STEMI heart attack?
Do doctors see a large blood clot in a main heart artery during your initial check?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you generally stable medically, not unconscious, or experiencing other severe health issues like advanced kidney disease?
Did your heart attack symptoms start within the last 12 hours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups – like flipping a coin. You will either receive the standard treatment for your heart attack (opening the artery with a balloon and stent), or you will receive the extra step of having the blood clot removed first, followed by the standard treatment.

All treatments will be part of your emergency care for the heart attack. Following the procedure, you will receive ongoing care and monitoring as part of your recovery, as you normally would for a heart attack. The study will monitor your progress using standard tests and follow-up appointments. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be determined by the standard follow-up for a heart attack, with specific imaging checks to see how well the artery remains open.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any medical study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that the additional procedure to remove the clot might lead to a better outcome for some patients with large blood clots. However, there's also a small chance of risks associated with any extra medical procedure, such as bleeding or complications related to the device. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Heart Centre - John Radcliffe Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a STEMI heart attack?

A STEMI is a very serious type of heart attack where a major artery supplying blood to your heart is completely blocked by a clot.

What is 'mechanical thrombectomy'?

It's a procedure where doctors use a special device to gently remove a large blood clot from your heart artery.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

Because it's a 'randomised' study, you won't choose your treatment group. Doctors assign it randomly, like drawing lots, to keep the study fair.

Will this study change my heart attack treatment?

You will receive the best possible care for your heart attack, whether you're in the group receiving standard treatment or the group receiving the extra clot removal step.

What does 'angiography' mean?

Angiography is a special X-ray test that doctors use to look inside your blood vessels, like those in your heart, to see blockages.

How to find out more

Giovanni Luigi De Maria, MD

giovanniluigi.demaria@ouh.nhs.uk +44 18655 528364 Official trial record

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