Power to the Patient at Inova Heart & Vascular Clinical Trials Unit

Power to the Patient

Spotlight on the Clinical Trials Unit at Inova Heart & Vascular Institute in Falls Church, VA

Clinical trials are used to explore new procedures, medications and processes that have the potential not only to treat patients struggling with an ongoing condition, but also to move medicine forward for patients in the future.

Those who choose to participate receive cutting-edge treatment, as well as the empowerment that comes from knowing that they’re making a difference, notes Kevin Bliden, Director of Inova Heart and Vascular Institute’s (IHVI’s) Clinical Trials Unit. “These trials allow us to investigate different therapies, while having patients in a comfortable hospital setting where they are well taken care of,” he says.

Trials often focus on what’s working best for individual patients so that therapy can be personalized, and therefore be more effective, Bliden adds.

Another benefit to the unit is that it connects multiple hospitals and several medical specialties, according to Peg Austin, Director of Inpatient Clinical Trials for the unit. “We’re fostering an environment where teams collaborate, and that can make a huge difference toward advancing medicine,” she says.

She notes that there are currently about 60 trials going on, involving conditions like cardiovascular disease, thrombosis and pulmonary disease. By providing resources for these trials, Inova is contributing to the health of patients now and into the future.

“These trials represent hope,” says Austin. “They not only give hope that what’s being tested will work on current patients, but also that they may treat or even prevent serious conditions in years to come.”

Get Involved

Most patients for trials are referred through their physicians, although the Clinical Trials Unit does screen for potential candidates. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial might be right for you, or visit the unit’s website, inovaheart.org/research.