International Bicuspid Aortic Valve Consortium (BAVCon) (NCT01980797)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is the most frequent congenital cardiac malformation, occurring in 0.5-1.2% of the US population. In young adults, it is generally a benign abnormality; but in older adults it is associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection in 20-30% of those with BAV. BAV is strongly associated with early development of aortic valve calcification or incompetence in \>50% of BAV patients, and accounts for \~40% of the \>30,000 aortic valve replacements (AVR) performed in the US each year. Yet, we know little of the etiology, cellular events and modifiers of progression of BAV to calcific aortic valve disease and we still do not understand the genetic cause(s) of BAV despite evidence for its high heritability. The Specific Aims of this study are: 1. To identify the genetic causes of bicuspid aortic valve disease and its associated thoracic aortic disease. 2. To identify potential pathways to predict the clinical course of BAV disease and for treating human BAV disease. To achieve these aims, we have created the International Bicuspid Aortic Valve Consortium (BAVCon), a consortium of institutions with cohorts of BAV patients and the expertise to fulfill the performance of these aims.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Tufts Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts
Age range: 8 Years to 90 Years
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (12 Sites)
- Tufts Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas
- Laval University — Québec, Quebec
- Istituto Policlinico San Donato — San Donato Milanese, Milan
- Monaldi Hospital — Naples,
- Second University of Naples — Naples,
- University of Salerno — Salerno,
- Hospital Vall d'Hebron — Barcelona,
- University of Oxford — Oxford,
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
- TAVR vs SAVR in Severe Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis — Los Angeles, California
Explore by condition: All Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.