NCT07286578 · Fundación EPIC
A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Value of Coronary CT Angiography in the Understanding and Management of Coronary Calcium (The Optimal Trial)
What this study is about
The OPTIMAL randomly assigned clinical trial has been designed to compare two imaging strategies and to test the hypothesis that a calcium modification strategy informed by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) will improve procedural efficiency and effectiveness compared with the current the usual treatment (IVUS-guided PCI) while achieving similar clinical outcomes in patients with hemodynamically significant calcified coronary artery disease.
View original scientific description
The OPTIMAL randomized clinical trial has been designed to compare two imaging strategies and to test the hypothesis that a calcium modification strategy informed by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) will improve procedural efficiency and effectiveness compared with the current standard of care (IVUS-guided PCI) while achieving similar clinical outcomes in patients with hemodynamically significant calcified coronary artery disease.
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
- The subject must be at least 18 years of age and younger than 85 years old
- Subject must have evidence of myocardial ischemia (e.g., stable angina, silent ischemia (ischemia in the absence of chest pain or other anginal equivalents), unstable angina, or acute myocardial infarction) suitable for PCI. Patients with a clinical indication for revascularization presenting with stable coronary artery disease or stabilized acute coronary syndrome defined as follows unstable angina (Braunwald class IB, IC, IIB, IIC, IIIB, IIIC), patients with NSTEMI without high-risk features such as recurrence of chest pain, ST-segment depression\>1mm in ≥6 leads plus STsegment elevation in aVR, life-threatening arrhythmias, mechanical complications of MI, resuscitated cardiac arrest, GRACE risk score\>140.
- All target vessels must have reference vessel diameter (visually assessed by CCTA) ≥ 2.5 mm
- Subject must provide written informed consent before any study-related procedure
Exclusion criteria
- STEMI as the clinical presentation.
- Uncontrolled or recurrent ventricular tachycardia.
- Hemodynamic instability.
- Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
- Left main coronary artery stenosis \> 50%
- Atrial fibrillation, flutter, or arrhythmias during CT acquisition.
- Previous PCI in the target vessel or CABG.
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
- Insufficient CT quality assessed by the Core lab.
- Comorbidity with life expectancy ≤ 2 years.
- Planned major cardiac or non-cardiac surgery within 24 months after the index procedure Note: Major surgery is any invasive operative procedure in which an extensive resection is performed, e.g., a body cavity is entered, organs are removed, or normal anatomy is altered. Note: Minor surgery is an operation on the superficial structures of the body or a manipulative procedure that does not involve a serious risk. Planned minor surgery is not excluded.
- The subject has received a solid organ transplant that is functioning or is active on a waiting list for any solid organ transplants with expected transplantation within 24 months.
- The subject receives immunosuppressant therapy or has known immunosuppressive or severe autoimmune disease that requires chronic immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.). Note: corticosteroids are not included as immunosuppressant therapy.
- The subject has previously received or is scheduled to receive radiotherapy to a coronary artery (vascular brachytherapy) or the chest/mediastinum.
- Subject has a platelet count \<100,000 cells/mm3 or \>700,000 cells/mm3.
- The subject has a documented or suspected hepatic disorder as defined as cirrhosis or Child-Pugh ≥ Class B.
- The subject has a history of bleeding diathesis or coagulopathy or has had a significant gastro-intestinal or significant urinary bleed within the past six months. The subject has had a cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic neurological attack (TIA) within the past six months, or any prior intracranial bleed, or any permanent neurologic defect, or any known intracranial pathology (e.g., aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, etc. The subject has a life expectancy \<2 years for any non-cardiac cause.
- Subject is currently participating in another investigational drug or device clinical study.
- Pregnant or nursing subjects and those who plan pregnancy in the period up to 2 years following index procedure. Female subjects of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test done within 7 days prior to the index procedure per site standard test.
- Presence of other anatomic or comorbid conditions, or other medical, social, or psychological conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, could limit the subject's ability to participate in the clinical investigation or to comply with follow-up requirements, or impact the scientific soundness of the clinical investigation results.
- Unable to provide written informed consent (IC).
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- New York, New York
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 Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations