CABG-PRIME: Platelet Function & Outcomes in CABG Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploratory Study to Review the Role of Platelet Function Testing in Improving Patient Outcomes Post-CABG Surgery
IRAS ID
358664
Contact name
Shahzad Raja
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Coronary artery disease is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. One common treatment is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a type of heart surgery that improves blood flow to the heart muscle. After surgery, patients are routinely prescribed antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent blood clots. These medicines help reduce the risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, or graft failure.
However, research shows that these medicines do not work equally well in all patients. Some people’s platelets (cells that help blood to clot) remain overly active, despite taking antiplatelet therapy. This is known as antiplatelet resistance and is linked to worse outcomes after surgery.
This study will investigate whether blood tests that measure how well platelets are being blocked — called platelet function tests — can help identify patients at higher risk of complications after CABG. We aim to recruit 100 adult patients who are due to undergo planned or urgent CABG surgery at a specialist NHS hospital. Participants will give small blood samples before surgery, just before going home, and again around 6 weeks later. The blood will be tested using a standard machine already used in hospital labs.
The study will not involve any changes to the patient’s care or medication. All treatment decisions will be made by the clinical team as usual. We will track recovery outcomes such as bleeding, need for re-operation, heart attacks, or readmissions.
The aim is to understand whether platelet function testing could support safer, more personalised care after heart surgery in the future.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
25/ES/0063
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion