Vascular Lab Resource (VLR) Biorepository

We are proposing a study of biomarkers obtained from prospectively collected subject samples and their correlation with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this initiative is to develop an enduring tool to allow for collaborative research between clinicians at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and basic scientists at the Lerner Research Institute. This collaboration will allow resources to be available to clinical and basic researchers alike. This tool will enable research of vascular disease in the Vascular Lab and will leverage this valuable asset to the fullest extent to allow for interdepartmental collaboration.

The care of subjects with vascular and metabolic diseases is very fragmentary, and they remain underserved clinically and under-studied. We will capitalize on the highly collaborative clinical environment in HVI and other clinical institutes to develop and constantly utilize a vascular biobank.

This protocol will study blood, urine, and/or stool samples and clinical data from subjects with cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases including: peripheral artery disease, carotid disease, aneurysmal disease, chronic venous disease, thrombosis, lymphedema and lipedema, non-atherosclerotic arterial stenosis (vasculitis, fibromuscular dysplasia, arterial dissection and aneurysmal disease, May-Thurner Syndrome etc.), compressive and spastic disorders (thoracic outlet syndrome, vasospasm). This initiative will allow for the opportunity to explore pathways of thrombosis, inflammation, gut microbiome, alterations in cell signaling, lipid metabolism and other metabolic pathways in vascular diseases. Further, this study will enhance and expand ongoing efforts in the Vascular Lab to collect data for the purpose of quality control and safety. The specimen sample collection will enable biochemical and genetic testing on participants once sufficient numbers are attained.