MedStar Cardiovascular Research Network

Cardiovascular research provides patients with the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and treatment for heart and vascular disease. Clinical research trials also may provide access to new drugs and interventions. 

Our research efforts are designed to improve quality of life for heart patients. Our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are well-positioned to translate research into state-of-the-art daily care for patients. Our innovative research and therapeutic clinical trials are available to patients throughout the Baltimore-Washington region across more than 13 sites.

Learn more about our cardiovascular research trials.

Cardiac research brings patients hope and new treatments for a variety of heart and vascular conditions. Our investigators are leading innovations in patient care for the conditions most commonly experienced by our patients, as well as pioneering new, improved pharmaceutical options. Current research topics include the following:

In cardiovascular medicine, having the right imaging technology available facilitates optimal diagnostic and therapeutic services. The Cardiovascular Core Imaging Lab at MedStar Health Research Institute provides proven expertise in technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography and ultrasound, in an efficient, responsive environment. The capabilities of the Imaging Lab across a wide array of imaging specialties have created a resource that contributes to improved clinical practice and patient outcomes. Our Imaging Lab’s core laboratories specialize in processing, analyzing and interpreting imaging, bringing the latest technology to clinical practice. Learn more about our cardiovascular core imaging lab.

Cardiovascular researchers aim to find better ways to diagnose and treat patients with cardiac disease. At MedStar Health Research Institute, these aims are facilitated through our Clinical Research Organization, which functions to support investigators pursuing basic and translational research.

Established in 2007, the Academic Clinical Research Organization (ACRO) manages both our network’s research initiatives and collaborative clinical trials with industry sponsors, and provides investigators with the support they need to fulfill administrative, organizational, legal, and best practice requirements. This Organization also provides access to a high volume of patient cohorts from the hospital center as well as from the greater MedStar Health system through its own electronic data capture system. 

The Clinical Research Organization (CRO) facilitates and conducts clinical trials in compliance with ICH and GCP guidelines. It has the personnel to formulate protocols, be responsible for all regulatory submissions including IRB and FDA, initiate investigations at different study sites, take responsibility for overseeing compliance, submit regularly to Data Safety Moderating Boards (DSMBs), organize event adjudication, prepare data for DSMBs, oversee quality control and clinical site monitoring, and prepare reports and manuscripts. It also provides database construction and biostatistical support for investigators.

We also offer a publication support team through the ACRO to ensure all manuscripts written by our lead investigators are vetted through the rigorous peer-review process of cardiology journals.

World-renowned investigators, basic and translational scientists, interventional cardiologists, research nurses, technicians, sonographers, and support staff have extensive experience and work to advance cardiovascular care through research every day.

If you would like to learn more about MedStar’s researchers and scientists, please visit our Principal Investigator search portal.