Cost-Effectiveness of a Specialized Ultrasound Instrument to Diagnose Carotid Stenosis as a Way to Reduce the Risk of Stroke

December 9, 2013 updated by: David Vilkomerson, DVX, LLC

New Ultrasound Instrument for Carotid Screening

Carotid stenosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries of the neck and blocks blood flow to the brain, is one common cause of stroke. This study will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using a new, specialized ultrasound device to screen individuals who are at risk for carotid stenosis.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. At least half of all strokes are caused by carotid stenosis, a condition in which the arteries in the neck become blocked with plaque and harden. Plaque that breaks off the carotid artery wall and travels to the brain can block critical blood vessels, possibly resulting in a stroke. Carotid endarterectomy, a procedure that removes plaque buildup, can greatly reduce an individual's risk for stroke. Currently, the conventional duplex Doppler ultrasound examination that is used to screen for carotid stenosis requires a skilled sonographer or physician, and is therefore expensive. Study researchers have developed a more cost-effective option: a specialized ultrasound instrument specifically designed to perform carotid stenosis screenings and meant to be used by non-specialist nurses. Previous research has shown that this instrument is inexpensive, easy to use, and effective at diagnosing carotid stenosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the alternative ultrasound instrument at screening older adults who are at risk for carotid stenosis. If the instrument is shown to be cost-effective, it may eventually lead to widespread screening and a reduced incidence of stroke.

In this study, nurses in selected physician's offices will be trained to use the carotid ultrasound screening instrument. Patients over 65 years of age with at least one risk factor for carotid stenosis but with no symptoms will be screened with the device. Screening will take place in the doctors' offices or, when more convenient, at a central screening location; however, in all cases the nurses will use the instrument rather than specialized ultrasound technologists. Individuals found to have carotid stenosis will be referred to undergo a conventional duplex Doppler ultrasound examination for a definitive diagnosis.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

984

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • New Jersey
      • Princeton, New Jersey, United States, 08540
        • Princeton Surgical Associates

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

65 years and older (Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Primary care patients who fit inclusion criteria

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • At least one risk factor for carotid stenosis (e.g., cardiac disease, elevated cholesterol, smoking, hypertension)

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any symptoms or indications of carotid stenosis or stroke

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

DVX, LLC

Collaborators

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Kenneth Goldman, MD, Princeton Surgical Associates

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

June 1, 2007

Primary Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2010

Study Completion (Actual)

November 1, 2010

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

December 28, 2006

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

December 28, 2006

First Posted (Estimate)

January 1, 2007

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

December 11, 2013

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

December 9, 2013

Last Verified

December 1, 2013

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 468
  • R44HL072534 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • R44HL072534-02A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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