Clinical Research at SLHV

Partnering with leading trials to bring next-generation heart therapies to our community.

We're currently enrolling patients in the EMPOWER Trial evaluating the Carillon Mitral Contour System®.
Learn more below.

Dr. Gil Vardi of St. Louis Heart & Vascular is the first cardiologist in the world to implant the BAT-wire Barostim Neo CVRX device.

Why Participate in Clinical Research with SLHV?

At SLHV, we have a proven track record in conducting complex Phase II-IV cardiovascular research. Our research staff is highly experienced, and our infrastructure is built to identity eligible patients and meet .enrollment goals

Your particination in clinical research can:

Give you access to innovative therapies that may not yet be available elsewhere
Provide close monitoring and advanced care from our specialized team
Contribute to shaping the future of heart care for patients like you

EMPOWER Trial: Carillon Mitral Contour System®

The EMPOWER Trialis a national, randomized, blinded cinical study sponsored by Cardiac Dimensions. It is evaluating the Carillon Mitral Contour System®, a minimally invasive device designed to treat patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

SLHV is proud to be participating in this trial. Our team led by Dr. Gil Vardi recently completed the first outpatient ASC procedure in the United States using the Carillon device, marking a new chapter in cardiovascular innovation.

How It Works

The device is delivered via catheter into the coronary sinus (a vein behind the heart), where it gently cinches the mitral valve annulus to reduce leakage and promote favorable remodeling of the left ventricle. The procedure is minimally invasive, typically performed under conscious sedation in about 45 minutes.

Trial Details

Open for enrollment now
Eligible patients remain under the care of their referring cardiologist while participating
Patient-centric design: no sacrifice of standard heart-failure therapy, maintains future treatment options
Enrolling in Missouri and surrounding states

Who May Qualify?

Diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 50%)
Enlarged left ventricle (LVEDD≥6cm)|
At least mild functional mitral regurgitation (FMR)
Elevated biomarkers (NT-proBNP ≥ 1200 pg/mL) or recent heart-failure hospitalization

Referral & Patient Care Pathway

Patients stay with their cardiologist and continue guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). SLHV's role is in screening, procedure, and trial follow-up, not taking over ongoing cardiovascular care.

How to Refer a Patient

Contact our research coordinator at: Gvardi@slhv.com
Or complete our online referral form (below)

Learn more:Visit the Cardiac Dimensions website or fill out the form below for detailed protocol information.

Gil Vardi MD First Cardiologist to Implant BAT-wire Barostim Neo CVRX Device

Gil Vardi MD has become the first cardiologist in the world to implant the BAT-wire Barostim Neo CVRX device. The procedure was performed at Premier Surgical Center on the St. Louis Heart and Vascular (SLHV) campus in Bridgeton, Missouri. The Barostim device includes a pulse generator implanted below the collarbone with a lead attached to […]

St. Louis Heart and Vascular’s Contribution to the Xarelto Clinical Trial (2013-2016)

From 2013 to 2016, St. Louis Heart and Vascular played a crucial role in one of the largest and most important clinical trials in the field of cardiology: the Xarelto (rivaroxaban) clinical trial. This groundbreaking study sought to determine the efficacy of Xarelto as an anticoagulant for patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral […]

St. Louis Heart and Vascular’s Groundbreaking Journey in the BeAT-HF Clinical Trial (2016-2023)

St. Louis Heart and Vascular (SLHV) has been at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, playing a pivotal role in the BeAT-HF (Biomarker-Enhanced Assessment of Targeted Heart Failure) clinical trial, conducted from 2016 to 2023. SLHV has contributed to advancing heart failure treatment with the goal of offering new hope for patients struggling with this debilitating […]