Clinical research and trials in echocardiography: rationale, requirements and future opportunities.

Journal: Echo research and practice
Published Date:

Abstract

Echocardiography has established itself as a vital component in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease, evolving alongside advancements in imaging technology and clinical research methodologies. Since its inception in the 1950s, echocardiographic research has progressed from small-scale, observational studies to large cohort investigations and randomised controlled trials. This evolution has paralleled advancements in disease diagnosis and facilitated the use of echocardiography as an important player in other disciplines such as cardio-oncology and interventional cardiology. Echocardiography research has made great progress, with new developments rapidly shaping the field. This continued innovation underscores the singular focus of improving patient care. As digital and technological advancements accelerate, the potential for research in echocardiography to enhance diagnostic precision, guide personalised treatment, and improve outcomes on a global scale is greater than ever. Collaborative efforts and sustained investment in research will be key to realising these goals and advancing the care of patients with cardiovascular disease. This review explores the historical and ongoing contributions of echocardiography research to better understanding cardiac disease, emphasising the pivotal roles of early feasibility studies and large-scale trials in refining techniques and establishing clinical utility. Key infrastructure requirements for advancing echocardiography research are identified, including workforce development, academic and healthcare collaborations, clinical trial support, and access to big data and computational expertise. Emerging technologies, such as advanced imaging techniques, handheld devices, and AI-driven analytics, are highlighted as transformative tools poised to address current limitations in clinical practice.

Authors

  • Casey L Johnson
    Oxford Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Level 1, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
  • Ross Upton
    Ultromics Ltd, Oxford, United Kingdom.
  • Samuel Krasner
    Oxford Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Level 1, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
  • Sadie Bennett
    Oxford Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Level 1, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
  • Ashley Ackerman
    Ultromics Ltd., Oxford, UK.
  • Xing Liu
    School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University 58 Renmin Avenue Haikou 570228 China zhangzeling@hainanu.edu.cn benchao312@hainanu.edu.cn xuhuan.hnu@foxmail.com qichen@hainanu.edu.cn sunzhichang11@163.com hmcao@hainanu.edu.cn.
  • Daniel X Augustine
    Royal United Hospitals Bath & University of Bath, Bath, UK.
  • Maria F Paton
    Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
  • Paul Leeson
    Ultromics Ltd, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Keywords

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