Clinical Cardiology Research
Clinical Cardiology Research

Coronary and Structural Research Group

We assess new roles for routine coronary physiological assessment.

Our group is headed by Professor Nick Curzen.

From University Hospital Southampton, we deliver research that is:

  • investigator-initiated
  • randomised multicentre
  • multicentre registry
  • commercial

We are internationally recognised for our work in the fields of:

  • hs-troponin as a biomarker for cardiovascular mortality
  • coronary physiology including intracoronary pressure wire and non-invasive Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography (FFRCT)
  • advanced coronary artery/myocardial ischaemia imaging, especially FFRCT
  • individualised responses to antiplatelet therapy

Our team includes Allied Health Professions research staff and Consultant Interventional Cardiologists, who recruit patients into our studies and trials.

We are also supported by the Acute Coronary Syndrome Specialist Nursing Team, staff in the Cardiac Catheter Labs, and the nursing staff on CCU/Cardiology wards.

Working with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, we have completed the design, recruitment and dissemination of the multicentre randomised RIPCORD2 and FORECAST trials.

We are coordinating the BHF-funded BRITISH multicentre randomised trial in collaboration with Dr Andrew Flett.

We run local clinical studies into:

  • platelet reactivity and its modification by non-cardiac inflammation
  • the association between snapshot hs-Troponin levels and in hospital outcome and medium term mortality in patients with no other indication for the test
  • a multinational collaboration looking at the potential use of FFRCT as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk
  • markers of DNA damage in coronary artery disease

We have many national and international collaborations. Our biggest current collaboration involves a deep learning AI model of risk in bystander coronary disease for patients presenting with ST elevation MI. 

We recruit to many important contemporary clinical trials in the field of coronary artery disease and aortic valve disease. Over the last 10 years, we have secured over £7m in grant income from charities and industry.

Since 2018, we have published over 200 PubMed papers and supervised DM/PhD research students and MMedSci/BMedSci medical student projects. 

Professor Nick Curzen has acted as a specialist adviser to the Prime Minister's Directive Unit, NICE, on multiple occasions.