English Version: Klinische Studienzentrum (KKS)

Medical and psychosocial factors in patients with chronic heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) are being researched in relation to the course and prognosis of the disease. New medication therapies as well as “electrical” (e.g., primary prophylactic ICD and/or resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation) or surgical treatment options are being evaluated. 

In a large international consortium “CARDIATEAM” (EU Horizon 2020/IMI), a joint study is being conducted to gain a better understanding of the early development and forms of heart failure, with a focus on “cardiomyopathy in diabetes.” This is clinically oriented basic research associated with extensive phenotyping. Further information about this project can be found here. 

Further information on the outpatient heart failure center can be found here. 

The risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, and obesity are being researched in order to develop and optimize further preventive measures, diagnostics, and therapies for cardiovascular consequences. 

As part of the international public-private research collaboration iCARE4CVD, we strive to advance personalized prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases. This initiative brings together Maastricht University, Novo Nordisk, and 34 global partners. By compiling a comprehensive database with information from over one million patients and leveraging artificial intelligence, iCARE4CVD aims to move beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model towards tailored, patient-specific care solutions. For more information about iCARE4CVD: https://icare4cvd.eu/  

In the field of digital health, KKS is assessing the effectiveness of various eHealth applications aimed at enhancing patient competence and engagement within healthcare. One key project is the development and clinical evaluation of an avatar/app for patients with chronic heart failure, carried out within the international consortium “PASSION-HF,” involving partners from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, England, and Ireland. Further information can be found here. 

Digital health applications (DiGAs) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are being developed and evaluated to provide tailored digital support for both physicians and patients. These tools are designed to improve in a problem-oriented and patient-centered manner, utilizing modern machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) methods are also being used for this purpose. 

In collaboration with the German Diabetes Society (DDG), an electronic diabetes file (eDA) with an associated registry is being developed to evaluate the care of as many people with type 2 diabetes as possible and improve it in a problem-oriented manner. Further information can be found here. 

Wearables (“devices worn on the body”) are becoming increasingly important in medicine, for example in the monitoring of patients with heart failure. We are evaluating the suitability of various wearables for the adequate capturing of clinical parameters and the timely detection of clinical deterioration, e.g., worsening decompensation. 

In the “RealWorld4Clinic” consortium (Germany and France), a biosensor for subcutaneous monitoring of various parameters (heart sounds, pressure waves, etc.)  is being developed and clinically evaluated in patients with advanced chronic heart failure. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, KKS has also been involved in national and international research projects focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.  

One notable project is the COVAS study, conducted by Med. Clinic I and Med. Clinic IV, which aims to better understand the disease course and long-term consequences of COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital setting. Through this study, valuable insights are being gained into the clinical progression, treatment outcomes, and healthcare needs of patients affected by the virus. For more information about "COVAS," please click here. 

KKS is participating in the German National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON), a nationwide research initiative, that collects and analyzes standardized data and biospecimens from COVID-19 patients across Germany. As part of the Network University Medicine (NUM), NAPKON aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness and support evidence-based healthcare decisions through high-quality, interoperable data. Further information can be found here. 

In addition, the study COVID-19@Home focuses on promoting telemedical support for patients in an outpatient setting. For more information about Med. Clinic V, please click here. 

The center’s work in this area contributes to the ongoing development of effective strategies for managing infectious diseases and strengthening healthcare system resilience.

The clinical effects and safety of new drugs and medical devices are being researched. 

A wide spectrum is covered, ranging from improving care for patients with community-acquired pneumonia to investigating the cardiopulmonary connection. The studies focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

For more information about Med Clinic V, please click here. 

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, such as edoxaban, are being investigated following successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. 

For more information about Med Clinic V, please click here. 

If you are interested in initiating, coordinating, or conducting clinical studies, the KKS team is here to support you. 

For inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact us: 

 
KKS Team 
Tel.: 0241 80-35881 
kksukaachende  

Dear Patient, 

If you're interested in taking part in a clinical study or have any questions, you're welcome to contact us with no obligation: 

Tel.: 0241 80-35881 
E-Mail: kksukaachende 

 
We look forward to hearing from you! 

Your KKS Team