Arizona Arrhythmia Research Institute is committed to advance medical knowledge and safeguard excellence in patient care. The institute gives patients early access to medical advances before they come to market.

Arizona Arrhythmia Research Institute is a non-profit research and education affiliate of Arizona Arrhythmia Consultants. "In addition to contributing to scientific knowledge, the institute offers our patients access to the most progressive state of art cardiovascular treatments and preventative strategies. Many AAC patients have benefited from experimental treatments that otherwise would not have been available to them for months or years.

Because clinical trials are experimental, the short and long-term effects of the products or procedures being tested are not always beneficial. Because of this AARI is very selective about the clinical trials in which it agrees to participate".

The institute has been involved in multiple major multi-site studies along with other renowned universities and research institutes.


What is a clinical research trial?
A clinical trial is a research program conducted with patients to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug or device. The purpose of clinical trials is to find new and improved methods of treating different diseases and special conditions.

There are four phases of a clinical trial:

• Phase I: a new research treatment is given to a small number of participants. The purpose is to determine the best way to give the new treatment and how much of it can be given safely.
• Phase II: clinical trials determine the effect of a research treatment on a particular disease or condition.
• Phase III: clinical trials compare the new treatment with the standard treatment
• Phase IV: clinical trials apply the new treatment to patient care.

Who can participate?
Every clinical trial is designed to look at a specific set of patients. Each study enrolls patients with certain conditions and symptoms. If you fit the guidelines, you may be able to participate. In some instances, you may be asked to undergo certain tests to make sure you are appropriate for the study.

What are the advantages?
During a clinical trial, physicians use the best treatment available as a standard to evaluate new treatments. The new treatments are at least as effective or possibly more effective than standard treatments. If you participate:

• You may receive a new treatment before it is widely available to the public.
• You can provide researchers with the information they need to continue developing new procedures and treatment methods.
• Your treatment costs may be decreased (many of the tests and physician visits that are directly related to the study are paid for the company or agency conducting the clinical trial).

Could there be side effects?
Yes. Side effects will depend on the type of treatment and the patient's condition. All of the risks and side effects of the treatment being researched are not known at the beginning of the clinical trial. Since this is the case, there may be unknown side effects as well as benefits.

It is important to note that most treatments, as well as the condition itself, have potential side effects. In clinical trials, most side effects from the treatment are temporary and go away once the treatment is stopped. Patients will be informed of any known possible side effects that occur while they are participating in a trial.


What is informed consent?
Informed consent means that as a patient, you are given all the available information so that you understand what is involved in a specific clinical trial. Your doctor or nurse should explain the treatment to you, including benefits and risks.

You will be given an informed consent form. Read it and consider it carefully. Ask the physician or nurse to explain any parts of the form that are not understandable.
You are free to decide whether or not to take part in the trial. If you decide to take part in the study, you will sign the consent form. If you do not want to participate in the trial, you can say "No." If you choose not to participate in the trial, your care will not be affected in any way.


Questions to ask your doctor
If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, find out as much as possible about the study before you decide to participate. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse:

1. What is the purpose of the study?
2. What have previous research of this drug or treatment shown?
3. What kinds of tests and treatments does the trial involve? How are these tests given?
4. What is likely to happen in my case with, or without, this new research treatment? (How does this research study compare with standard treatment options?)
5. What phase is this clinical trial?
6. How could the clinical trial affect my daily life?
7. What side effects can I expect from the clinical trial? (Remember, side effects may occur from standard treatments and from the disease itself.)
8. How long will the study last?
9. Will the clinical trial require extra time on my part?
10. Will my records remain confidential?
11. Will the study cost me anything?
12. Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, how long and how often?
13. If I agree to withdraw from the clinical trial, will my care be affected? Will I need to change doctors?