NCT05484115 · Rijnstate Hospital
Comparison of EVAR and ESAR for Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms With a Wide Proximal Neck
(HERCULES)
What this study is about
The HERCULES trial is a randomly assigned controlled clinical trial designed to prospectively compare endosuture aneurysm repair (ESAR) to standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) clinical outcomes in treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in subjects having wide proximal aortic neck diameters (≥ 28mm and ≤ 32mm).
View original scientific description
The HERCULES trial is a Randomized controlled clinical trial designed to prospectively compare endosuture aneurysm repair (ESAR) to standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) clinical outcomes in treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in subjects having wide proximal aortic neck diameters (≥ 28mm and ≤ 32mm).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 years or older
- Provided written informed consent
- Clinical necessity for treatment of the AAA, according to the current guidelines in the geographies participating
- Elective repair
- Eligible anatomy for treatment with the Endurant II/IIs stent graft system and Heli-FX EndoAnchor system according to the IFU of both devices
- Infrarenal neck diameter ≥ 28 mm and ≤32 mm
- Proximal neck length ≥10mm
Exclusion criteria
- Anatomy outside the IFU of the ndurant II/IIs stent graft system and Heli-FX EndoAnchor system
- Planned use of AUI main body device
- Patient is participating in another clinical study, potentially conflicting with the outcomes of the current study.
- Patient with eGFR \< 30 ml/min/1.73m2 before the intervention
- Patient's life expectancy \<2 years as judged by the investigator
- Patient has a psychiatric or other condition that may interfere with the study
- Patient has a known allergy to any device component
- Patients with a systemic infection who may be at increased risk of endovascular graft infection.
- Patient has a coagulopathy or uncontrolled bleeding disorder
- Patient has a ruptured, leaking, or mycotic aneurysm
- Patient is not eligible for standard EVAR
- Patient had a Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA) or a myocardial infarction (MI) within the prior three months
- Patient is pregnant (Female patients of childbearing potential only)
- Patient has active COVID-19 infection or has been diagnosed with long COVID-19 requiring hospitalization within the 6 months prior to procedure.
- Patient has previously been treated with stent grafts in the aorto-iliac arteries
Where
- Washington, Arkansas
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Maywood, Illinois
- Detroit, Michigan
- Royal Oak, Michigan
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Columbia, Missouri
- St Louis, Missouri
- New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Buffalo, New York
- Stony Brook, New York
- Raleigh, North Carolina
And 4 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations