NHS GG&C additional sample of atrial tissue to support ICAMS Research

• Research type

  Research Tissue Bank

• IRAS ID

  214735

• Research summary

  NHS GC&C additional sample atrial tissue resource to support ICAMS Research

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 4

• REC reference

  17/WS/0134

• Date of REC Opinion

  20 Jul 2017

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion

• Data collection arrangements

  Small samples of human heart muscle will be obtained from the top chambers of the heart (atria) of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The cut is made is made to allow the operation to proceed, and does not affect the operation or the patient. Samples are collected fresh during the operation with a researcher in attendance in the operating theatre. The sample is transported from the cardiac surgery theatre to the research laboratory. Most of the atrial tissue undergoes a process which includes enzymatic digestion and physical dispersion to produce single heart cells which can be studied using micro-electrodes. Some of the tissue may be used fresh for imaging; some stored frozen (-80oC) long-term for future analysis. Consent will be obtained by a trained member of the research team. The patient will be provided with the Patient Information Sheet, and asked to read it, and will be given the opportunity to ask questions. If they are willing to participate they will sign the consent form, which includes consent for clinical information, such as their diagnosis and what drugs they are taking, to be used. All data will be stored in an anonymised format, in a secure and confidential file.

• Research programme

  The bank will support the research of the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, an internationally recognised research organisation. The research aims to better understand the most common rhythm disturbance of the heart, atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to decreased quality of life and increased risk of stroke and death. The majority of the heart samples will be used on the day that they are obtained. Single atrial cells will be prepared and studied using techniques which can record the electrical properties and cellular mechanisms of the heart cells. The data obtained will provide information about the changes that occur during AF, and factors which are involved in its origin. This better understanding may lead to improved drug treatments.

• RTBTitle

  NHS GC&C additional sample atrial tissue resource to support ICAMS Research

• Establishment organisation

  Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences (Dr Antony J Workman)

• Establishment organisation address

  BHF-Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre

  126 University Place

  Glasgow

  G12 8TA