NCT06070428 · Henry Ford Health System
Project 4: ACHIEVE PATHFINDER
(PATHFINDER)
What this study is about
ACHIEVE-P4: PATHFINDER is a randomly assigned, blinded clinical trial of portable air cleaners (PAC) provided at the time of hospital discharge to Heart Failure (HF) patients. It will be carried out at Henry Ford Hospitals. This project is part of the ACHIEVE GREATER (Addressing Cardiometabolic Health In Populations Through Early PreVEntion in the GREAT LakEs Region) Center (IRB 100221MP2A).
View original scientific description
ACHIEVE-P4: PATHFINDER is a randomized, blinded clinical trial of portable air cleaners (PAC) provided at the time of hospital discharge to Heart Failure (HF) patients. It will be carried out at Henry Ford Hospitals. This project is part of the ACHIEVE GREATER (Addressing Cardiometabolic Health In Populations Through Early PreVEntion in the GREAT LakEs Region) Center (IRB 100221MP2A). The ACHIEVE GREATER Center involves several separate but related projects that aim to prolong lifespan among Detroit, MI and Cleveland, OH, for three chronic conditions, hypertension (HTN, Project 1), heart failure (HF, Projects 2 \& 4) and coronary heart disease (CHD, Project 3). The present study is Project 4 (Aim 1) a randomized clinical trial titled: Portable Air cleaners to Treat Heart Failure and Negate Disparities of Environment and Race (PATHFINDER), of the ACHIEVE GREATER Center. Project 4 is a randomized, double-blind, parallel limb trial of 400 patients with hospitalized HF who will be provided active PAC vs sham at discharge from HFH. Participants will receive two PACs at discharge and an indoor PM2.5 sensor. PACs will be randomized to either active PAC with HEPA filters or sham PAC without HEPA filters. Researchers will compare the following outcomes of the two groups (more outcomes below in Outcome Measures section): 1. Change in NTproBNP from baseline to 90 days 2. Home PM2.5 levels from baseline to 90 days 3.
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
- Currently in the emergency room or hospitalized with plan to be discharged to home, or
- Diagnosis of heart failure
- BNP\>200 ng/L or NTproBNP\>1000 ng/L during hospitalization or within 1 month prior to screening
- Expected ability to fully participate in study (can tolerate study processes, no long travel)
Exclusion criteria
- Hemodialysis dependent
- If dialysis is being considered by participant's care team and their eGFR value is \<30 mL/min/1.73 sq m
- Life expectancy of less than one year
- Inability to provide written informed consent
- Age less than 18 years old
- Patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
- Heart transplant recipients
- Individuals who regularly use a HEPA air cleaner in their home at screening
- Current smokers of nicotine or marijuana
- Severe aortic or mitral valve disease
- Has a scheduled, non-diagnostic cardiac procedure within 30 days prior, or in the next 90 days from screening (e.g. PCI, resynchronization, any cardiac surgery)
- If the PI decides for any reason that participation in the trial is not in the best interest of the patient
Where
- Detroit, Michigan
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 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations