When you think of clinical research trials, what comes to mind? Cutting-edge cancer treatments? Major university teaching hospitals? The Heart Center at Doylestown Hospital?

"We want the community to know that Doylestown Hospital has a strong clinical research program that includes a number of trials in cardiology," says Mary Eck, RN, BSN, research coordinator at Doylestown Hospital.

Clinical trials are controlled studies in which the safety and effectiveness of new medications and medical devices are measured. Doylestown Hospital engages primarily in "late phase" trials, which means the safety of the therapy has already, to some extent, been established. By participating in clinical trials, Doylestown Hospital remains on the leading edge of research and technology.

One recent study, for example, compares the outcomes of patients who have had open-heart surgery to those who have had coronary artery stenting (or primary angioplasty). Another key study looks at the effectiveness of using stents to open blocked arteries of the kidney. Blocked renal arteries are a cause of high blood pressure.

Therapies are now being studied to help determine the best treatment for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and acute coronary syndrome. A major carotid stenting trial is also underway. The use of angioplasty and stents to open blocked arteries in the neck is one of the most significant advances in stroke prevention.

"Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our community by engaging in research that provides greater access to the latest technologies and advanced therapies," Mary says. "We are where we are today because of research in the past."