Peripheral Stimulation Device to Improve Coronary Flow Reserve in Coronary Artery Disease (PERCCAD)

The purpose of the PERCCAD Study is to investigate the effect of the gekoTM device (a non-invasive calf muscle stimulator approved for use to improve blood flow by Health Canada) on coronary blood flow in order to assess its potential role as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). This will occur in patients already undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as part of their usual medical care. Further, the investigators will also assess the overall effect on blood flow in the body using non-invasive techniques. The primary objective of the PERCCAD study is to assess the effect of the gekoTM device on coronary blood flow in patients with symptomatic CAD who are undergoing invasive angiographic assessment and management with PCI. This evaluation of the gekoTM device is to be performed at the time of the patient's already planned invasive assessment and management so that invasive data can be collected without exposing the patient to risks other than those already associated with their planned procedure and usual clinical care. The secondary objective of the study is to assess the effect of muscle stimulation with the gekoTM device on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow measured via non-invasive techniques.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Coronary Artery Disease; Ischemic Disease
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: gekoTM

Detailed Description

Angina pectoris or anginal equivalent dyspnoea are frequent symptoms related to impaired myocardial blood supply. The supply-demand imbalance that arises in the setting of coronary artery disease can be addressed by improving myocardial blood supply through mechanical revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass surgery or by reducing myocardial energy demand through pharmacotherapy including the use of negative chronotropic agents such as beta blockers. When further revascularization is not an option, or standard therapies are insufficient to control symptoms, other novel therapies are attempted to improve myocardial blood supply and decrease angina. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) devices have been demonstrated to augment cardiac performance and coronary flow and have a beneficial effect in reducing anginal symptoms in patients with CAD.(1-4) Transcutaneous (non-invasive) electrical nervous stimulation of skeletal muscle to improve venous return to the heart and provide a potential mechanism to augment and improve blood flow, including coronary flow, is a potential alternative method to achieve a similar effect,(5,6) but is less cumbersome and more easily integrated into clinical practice. The gekoTM device is a small transcutaneous nerve stimulator (weight 18g, dimensions 149mm x 42mm x 11mm) that is applied non-invasively to the skin over the common peroneal nerve in the lower limb that has been demonstrated to safely stimulate blood flow from the gastrocnemius and soleus venous system via activation of the venous 'pump' system, intrinsic to the calf muscles. As a result, the gekoTM device is approved for use in Canada to improve blood flow and is already being used in clinical practice at University Hospital. By improving venous return, this device has the potential to have a therapeutic effect in the management of CAD by augmenting coronary blood flow. The purpose of the PERCCAD Study is to investigate the effect of the gekoTM device on coronary blood flow in order to assess its potential role as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of symptomatic CAD. Further, since previous studies with EECP also demonstrated improvement in endothelial function, the investigators plan to study the effect of the gekoTM device on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow in the same patients via non invasive techniques(4, 7, 8) given the established relationship between endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. (9-12)

The primary objective of the PERCCAD study is to assess the effect of the gekoTM device on coronary blood flow in patients with symptomatic CAD who are undergoing invasive angiographic assessment and management with PCI. This evaluation of the gekoTM device is to be performed at the time of the patient's already planned invasive assessment and management so that invasive data can be collected without exposing the patient to risks other than those already associated with their planned procedure and usual clinical care. The secondary objective of the study is to assess the effect of muscle stimulation with the gekoTM device on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow measured via non-invasive techniques.

Study Design:

Single arm clinical study where patients act as their own controls (coronary flow reserve and endothelial function measured in patients already undergoing angiography and PCI) with measurements recorded pre and post application of the gekoTM device.

Coronary flow assessment: The PCI procedure will be performed according to standard practice. As part of routine practice, a guidewire is inserted into the coronary artery and used as a "rail" for delivering balloons and stents. Often, we use a special Doppler guidewire with a sensor at the tip that is used for measurements of blood flow. We will use such a guidewire for the current study (13-16). Velocity signals are obtained by the guidewire and average peak velocity (APV) is determined. Intracoronary adenosine will be given to induce hyperemia and increase coronary flow (17-21). Intracoronary adenosine is used routinely during PCI. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) will be calculated as the ratio of APV during hyperemia compared to APV at baseline. After measurement of baseline APV and CFR, we will perform two minutes of muscle stimulation using the gekoTM device at a low pulse width setting and record APV. After this, a further two minutes of muscle stimulation using the gekoTM device at a higher pulse width setting will occur with repeated APV and CFR measurements recorded. This process will be performed in at least two coronary arteries at the time of patient's usual invasive assessment and management. Calf muscle stimulation with the gekoTM device: The gekoTM device will be fitted bilaterally behind the patient's knees in the popliteal fossa. At the appropriate time the device will be set to stimulate the common peroneal nerve transcutaneously (the low setting will be set at the level at which the patient has a sensation of stimulation but where there is no visible movement of the lower leg; the high setting will be at the patient's highest tolerable level, but not lower than the level which elicited slight visible movement of the lower leg).

Endothelial Function Assessment: Endothelial function study will be performed on a separate visit following the PCI, by measurement of peripheral vasodilator response using fingertip pulse amplitude tonometry (peripheral arterial tonometry-PAT). PAT signals will be obtained with the EndoPAT2000 (EndoPAT) device (Itamar Medical Inc., Caesarea, Israel). The EndoPAT is an FDA approved device for noninvasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction, it is widely used for clinical and research purposes and validated as a method of endothelial function assessment.(22-24) Specially designed finger probes are placed on the index finger of each patient's hand. The probes are comprised of a system of inflatable latex air cuffs connected by pneumatic tubes to an inflating device controlled through a computer algorithm. There is no occlusion of arterial blood flow. Pulsatile volume changes of the distal digit induce pressure alterations in the finger cuff, which are sensed by pressure transducers and transmitted to and recorded by the EndoPAT. Endothelial function is measured via a reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry index (RH-PAT index). A reactive hyperemia protocol consists of a 5-minute baseline measurement, after which a blood pressure cuff placed on the test arm is inflated to 60 mmHg above baseline systolic blood pressure, or at least 200 mmHg for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the cuff is deflated, and the PAT tracing recorded for a further 5 minutes. The ratio of the PAT signal after cuff release, compared to baseline, is calculated through a computer algorithm automatically normalizing for baseline signal, and indexed to the contra lateral arm. The calculated ratio reflects the RH-PAT index, a reflection of degree of endothelial function. This process is non-invasive and does not require percutaneous vascular access. Endothelial function will also be assessed at baseline and following 1 hour treatment with the gekoTM using the EndoPAT to calculate the RH-PAT index as described. In addition, the effect on popliteal artery vessel diameter and Doppler flow velocity will also be recorded using a surface ultrasound probe at baseline and following 1 hour of treatment with the gekoTM.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 10
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Canada
  • Ontario
    • London, Ontario, Canada, N6A5A5
      • London Health Sciences Centre

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 - 80.
2. Symptomatic coronary artery disease and already undergoing invasive angiographic assessment and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Significant valvular heart disease or left ventricular dysfunction.
2. Contraindication to the administration of intracoronary adenosine.
3. Latex allergy.
4. Significant peripheral motor neuropathy.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Basic Science
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: gekoTM device application; Single arm study. Application of gekoTM device as described above with assessment of effect on coronary flow and endothelial function.	Device: gekoTM

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Coronary Flow Reserve following stimulation with gekoTM device	The change in the effect of the gekoTM device on coronary blood flow as measured by coronary flow reserve using a Doppler tipped coronary flow wire inserted into the coronary artery tree via a percutaneous technique, will be measured at baseline, after 120 sec of stimulation with the gekoTM device on low frequency setting, and after 120 sec of stimulation with the gekoTM device on high frequency setting	Time = 0; Time = post 120 sec stimulation (low setting); Time = post 120 sec stimulation (high setting)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Popliteal artery vessel diameter following 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device	Change in popliteal artery vessel diameter will be recorded using a surface ultrasound probe at baseline and following 60 mins of treatment with the gekoTM. This study will be performed on a separate visit following the PCI procedure.	Time = 0; Time = post 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device
Change in Popliteal artery vessel Doppler flow velocity following 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device	Change in popliteal artery vessel Doppler flow velocity will be recorded using a surface ultrasound probe at baseline and following 60 mins of treatment with the gekoTM. This study will be performed on a separate visit following the PCI procedure.	Time = 0; Time = post 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device
Change in Endothelial function following 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device	The change in Endothelial function study will by measured using the EndoPAT2000 following 60 mins of treatment with the gekoTM. This study will be performed on a separate visit following the PCI procedure.	Time = 0; Time = post 60 mins stimulation with gekoTM device

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Lawson Health Research Institute
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Shahar Lavi, MD, London Health Sciences Centre

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Bonetti PO, Pumper GM, Higano ST, Holmes DR Jr, Kuvin JT, Lerman A. Noninvasive identification of patients with early coronary atherosclerosis by assessment of digital reactive hyperemia. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004 Dec 7;44(11):2137-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2004.08.062.
• Loh PH, Cleland JG, Louis AA, Kennard ED, Cook JF, Caplin JL, Barsness GW, Lawson WE, Soran OZ, Michaels AD. Enhanced external counterpulsation in the treatment of chronic refractory angina: a long-term follow-up outcome from the International Enhanced External Counterpulsation Patient Registry. Clin Cardiol. 2008 Apr;31(4):159-64. doi: 10.1002/clc.20117.
• De Bruyne B, Baudhuin T, Melin JA, Pijls NH, Sys SU, Bol A, Paulus WJ, Heyndrickx GR, Wijns W. Coronary flow reserve calculated from pressure measurements in humans. Validation with positron emission tomography. Circulation. 1994 Mar;89(3):1013-22. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.89.3.1013.
• Hamburg NM, Keyes MJ, Larson MG, Vasan RS, Schnabel R, Pryde MM, Mitchell GF, Sheffy J, Vita JA, Benjamin EJ. Cross-sectional relations of digital vascular function to cardiovascular risk factors in the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation. 2008 May 13;117(19):2467-74. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.748574. Epub 2008 May 5.
• Kuvin JT, Patel AR, Sliney KA, Pandian NG, Sheffy J, Schnall RP, Karas RH, Udelson JE. Assessment of peripheral vascular endothelial function with finger arterial pulse wave amplitude. Am Heart J. 2003 Jul;146(1):168-74. doi: 10.1016/S0002-8703(03)00094-2.
• Gould KL, Lipscomb K. Effects of coronary stenoses on coronary flow reserve and resistance. Am J Cardiol. 1974 Jul;34(1):48-55. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(74)90092-7. No abstract available.
• Bonetti PO, Barsness GW, Keelan PC, Schnell TI, Pumper GM, Kuvin JT, Schnall RP, Holmes DR, Higano ST, Lerman A. Enhanced external counterpulsation improves endothelial function in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 May 21;41(10):1761-8. doi: 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)00329-2.
• Tucker A, Maass A, Bain D, Chen LH, Azzam M, Dawson H, Johnston A. Augmentation of venous, arterial and microvascular blood supply in the leg by isometric neuromuscular stimulation via the peroneal nerve. Int J Angiol. 2010 Spring;19(1):e31-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1278361.
• Gokce N, Keaney JF Jr, Hunter LM, Watkins MT, Menzoian JO, Vita JA. Risk stratification for postoperative cardiovascular events via noninvasive assessment of endothelial function: a prospective study. Circulation. 2002 Apr 2;105(13):1567-72. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.0000012543.55874.47.
• Rubinshtein R, Kuvin JT, Soffler M, Lennon RJ, Lavi S, Nelson RE, Pumper GM, Lerman LO, Lerman A. Assessment of endothelial function by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry predicts late cardiovascular adverse events. Eur Heart J. 2010 May;31(9):1142-8. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq010. Epub 2010 Feb 24.
• Masuda D, Nohara R, Hirai T, Kataoka K, Chen LG, Hosokawa R, Inubushi M, Tadamura E, Fujita M, Sasayama S. Enhanced external counterpulsation improved myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve in patients with chronic stable angina; evaluation by(13)N-ammonia positron emission tomography. Eur Heart J. 2001 Aug;22(16):1451-8. doi: 10.1053/euhj.2000.2545.
• Michaels AD, Accad M, Ports TA, Grossman W. Left ventricular systolic unloading and augmentation of intracoronary pressure and Doppler flow during enhanced external counterpulsation. Circulation. 2002 Sep 3;106(10):1237-42. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.0000028336.95629.b0.
• Yang DY, Wu GF. Vasculoprotective properties of enhanced external counterpulsation for coronary artery disease: beyond the hemodynamics. Int J Cardiol. 2013 Jun 5;166(1):38-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.04.003. Epub 2012 May 4.
• Jawad H. The effect of a novel electrical stimulation method for improving lower limb blood flow in healthy volunteers. 2012
• Akhtar M, Wu GF, Du ZM, Zheng ZS, Michaels AD. Effect of external counterpulsation on plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1 levels. Am J Cardiol. 2006 Jul 1;98(1):28-30. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.01.053. Epub 2006 May 3.
• Hoffman JI. Maximal coronary flow and the concept of coronary vascular reserve. Circulation. 1984 Aug;70(2):153-9. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.70.2.153. No abstract available.
• Collins P. Coronary flow reserve. Br Heart J. 1993 Apr;69(4):279-81. doi: 10.1136/hrt.69.4.279. No abstract available.
• Wilson RF, Johnson MR, Marcus ML, Aylward PE, Skorton DJ, Collins S, White CW. The effect of coronary angioplasty on coronary flow reserve. Circulation. 1988 Apr;77(4):873-85. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.77.4.873.
• Casella G, Leibig M, Schiele TM, Schrepf R, Seelig V, Stempfle HU, Erdin P, Rieber J, Konig A, Siebert U, Klauss V. Are high doses of intracoronary adenosine an alternative to standard intravenous adenosine for the assessment of fractional flow reserve? Am Heart J. 2004 Oct;148(4):590-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2004.04.008.
• Murtagh B, Higano S, Lennon R, Mathew V, Holmes DR Jr, Lerman A. Role of incremental doses of intracoronary adenosine for fractional flow reserve assessment. Am Heart J. 2003 Jul;146(1):99-105. doi: 10.1016/S0002-8703(03)00120-0.
• Jeremias A, Whitbourn RJ, Filardo SD, Fitzgerald PJ, Cohen DJ, Tuzcu EM, Anderson WD, Abizaid AA, Mintz GS, Yeung AC, Kern MJ, Yock PG. Adequacy of intracoronary versus intravenous adenosine-induced maximal coronary hyperemia for fractional flow reserve measurements. Am Heart J. 2000 Oct;140(4):651-7. doi: 10.1067/mhj.2000.109920.
• Zijlstra F, Juilliere Y, Serruys PW, Roelandt JR. Value and limitations of intracoronary adenosine for the assessment of coronary flow reserve. Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn. 1988;15(2):76-80. doi: 10.1002/ccd.1810150203.
• Kuvin JT, Mammen A, Mooney P, Alsheikh-Ali AA, Karas RH. Assessment of peripheral vascular endothelial function in the ambulatory setting. Vasc Med. 2007 Feb;12(1):13-6. doi: 10.1177/1358863X06076227.
• Hamburg NM, Benjamin EJ. Assessment of endothelial function using digital pulse amplitude tonometry. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2009 Jan;19(1):6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2009.03.001.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: July 1, 2013
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 1, 2014
• Study Completion (Actual): October 1, 2015

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 8, 2013
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 14, 2013
• First Posted (Estimate): May 15, 2013

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): November 26, 2015
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 25, 2015
• Last Verified: November 1, 2015

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: coronary artery disease; coronary flow reserve; endothelial function
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Heart Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Arteriosclerosis; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Coronary Disease
• Other Study ID Numbers: 103661