NCT05485376 · Tufts Medical Center
Pulmonary Artery Catheter in Cardiogenic Shock Trial
(PACCS)
What this study is about
The primary objective of the PACCS trial is to assess if early invasive hemodynamic assessment and ongoing management with a PAC in patients with cardiogenic shock due to acutely decompensated heart failure (AHDF-CS) is associated with lower in-hospital mortality risk compared to the current the usual treatment with no or delayed PAC assessment.
View original scientific description
The primary objective of the PACCS trial is to assess if early invasive hemodynamic assessment and ongoing management with a PAC in patients with cardiogenic shock due to acutely decompensated heart failure (AHDF-CS) is associated with lower in-hospital mortality risk compared to the current standard of care with no or delayed PAC assessment.
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 and ≤90 years
- Clinical heart failure presentation and left ventricular function as follows: Either 2A or 2B must be present A. Subject has de novo acute decompensated heart failure and shock with an LVEF ≤40% OR B. Subject has acute on chronic heart failure with a documented history of a LVEF ≤40% within 6 months of admission and a current LVEF ≤40% within 24 hours of screening during the current hospitalization. NOTE: The LVEF must be quantitatively measured as ≤ 40% by an echocardiogram within 24 hours of screening. If multiple echocardiograms have been performed within 24 hours, the most recent test must be used to qualify the patient.
- Cardiogenic Shock (CS) defined by a lactate level ≥ 2.1 mmol/L and any 2 of the following parameters within 24 hours of screening:
- SBP \<90 mmHg for more than 30 minutes from baseline SBP
- Requires the use of at least 1 vasopressor or inotrope
- Requires intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support
- Presence of congestion on exam: JVP elevated, pulmonary edema on CXR or exam, dyspnea at rest, orthopnea, bendopnea, or worsening peripheral or abdominal swelling
- Initial diagnosis of CS within 24 hours of screening at the enrolling site
- Patient or legally authorized representative provides informed consent A HIPAA waiver for screening is requested to identify potential subjects. No recruitment materials will be given to potential subjects. No identifiable data will be retained for subjects that are determined to be ineligible
Exclusion criteria
- Primary etiology of shock other than systolic left heart failure including but not limited to: acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, hypovolemia, hemorrhage, severe anemia, primary RV failure, pulmonary embolism, or tamponade.
- Patient has a durable ventricular assist device or temporary mechanical circulatory support (other than IABP) or PAC prior to enrollment
- Actively listed for cardiac transplantation (Status 7 patients are eligible for the trial)
- Patient transferred from another facility with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock
- Any known co-morbidity other than heart failure with anticipated survival \< 6 months
- Pre-enrollment labs (any of the following): International Normalized Ratio (INR) \> 3, Platelet count \< 50k, Hemoglobin \< 7
- Refractory or recurrent cardiac arrest (\>1 episode requiring defibrillation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation) within 24 hours prior to screening
- DNR/ DNI status
- Pregnancy, child-birth within 6 months, or lactation
- Active infection documented by persistent fever (Temp \> 38.4oC within 24 hours of screening) or confirmed bacteremia
- Implantation of PPM or ICD within past 3 months
- Mechanical complication of AMI (ie VSD, papillary muscle rupture, flail mitral regurgitation, free wall rupture)
- Anoxic brain injury
- On renal replacement therapy prior to enrollment
- Cardiac surgery within 3 months of current admission
- Severe aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid stenosis or acute structural mitral regurgitation or infective endocarditis
- History of cardiac amyloid
- Congenital heart disease excluding the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve
- Planned cardiac surgery during admission
- World Health Organization (WHO) Group I, III, IV, or V pulmonary hypertension
- Any known contraindication to PAC placement
- Participation in the active treatment or follow-up phase of another clinical study of an investigational drug or device that has not reached its primary endpoint
- Any medical or psychiatric condition such as dementia, alcoholism, or substance abuse which may preclude informed consent or interfere with any of the study procedures, including follow-up
- Prior stroke with any permanent neurologic deficit or any prior intracranial hemorrhage or any prior subdural hematoma or known intracranial pathology pre-disposing to intracranial bleeding, such as an arteriovenous malformation or mass
- Subject has previously hospitalized for COVID-19 unless he/she has been discharged and asymptomatic for ≥4 weeks
- Subject is COVID-19 PCR/antigen positive within the prior 4 weeks
- Subject belongs to a vulnerable population \[defined as individuals with mental disability, persons in nursing homes, impoverished persons, homeless persons, nomads, refugees and those permanently incapable of giving informed consent; vulnerable populations also may include members of a group with a hierarchical structure such as university students, subordinate hospital and laboratory personnel, members of the armed forces and persons kept in detention\]
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 Oct 29, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations