Plain-English translation of NCT02537769 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether patients with severe heart failure who need a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood—should also have surgery to repair a leaky tricuspid valve at the same time. Some patients will receive the pump alone, while others will receive the pump plus the valve repair. Researchers want to see which approach leads to better health outcomes over time.
Many people with severe heart failure who receive a heart pump develop or have mild leaking in their tricuspid valve, which can get worse over time. Doctors are not sure whether fixing this valve problem during the initial pump surgery helps patients feel better and live longer, or whether it's unnecessary additional surgery.
You likely qualify if…
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If you join this study, you will have standard pre-surgery evaluations including an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), physical exam, and quality-of-life assessments. During your scheduled heart pump surgery, you will be randomly assigned (like a coin flip) to either receive the pump alone or the pump plus valve repair. After surgery, you will have follow-up appointments where doctors will monitor your heart function and check how you're doing over time.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States