Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation® (MHIF) enrolled the first patient in CT-PLAN PCI (NCT07691502), an investigator-initiated, multicenter randomized trial evaluating whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-guided preprocedural planning improves the efficiency of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Yader Sandoval, MD, Principal Investigator and Co-Chair of the MHIF Center for Coronary Artery Disease leads the trial. MHIF serves as the coordinating center, with support from research grants from Shockwave Medical, Inc., and HeartFlow, Inc.
“CCTA provides detailed information about coronary anatomy, plaque composition, and physiology before patients enter the catheterization laboratory,” said Dr. Sandoval. “CT-PLAN PCI will evaluate whether translating this information into a structured procedural plan improves efficiency and procedural outcomes.”
“CT-PLAN PCI reflects MHIF's commitment to investigator-initiated research and innovation,” said Emmanouil S. Brilakis, MD, PhD, Chair of the MHIF Center for Coronary Artery Disease. “Our goal is to generate evidence that informs clinical practice and improves patient care.”
About CT-PLAN PCI
The trial will enroll 200 patients across four U.S. centers, with procedural time as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include contrast volume, radiation exposure, post-PCI coronary physiology, stent expansion, and periprocedural myocardial injury.
CT-PLAN PCI evaluates HeartFlow PCI Navigator, an integrated application incorporating coronary anatomy, CT-derived physiology, plaque and calcium characterization, myocardial mass, and optimal fluoroscopic projections to guide equipment selection, lesion preparation, and procedural strategy. CCTA allows operators to anticipate lesion complexity, including severe coronary calcification, and identify the potential need for advanced calcium-modification techniques, such as intravascular lithotripsy, before the procedure.
Patients in the control arm undergo routine PCI without structured CT-guided preprocedural planning. The trial also includes blinded post-PCI pressure-wire FFR assessment and serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin measurements.
Advancing CT-Guided PCI Research and Innovation
Under Dr. Sandoval's leadership, MHIF has emerged as a leading U.S. center for CT-guided PCI research and education. The team was the highest-enrolling U.S. site in the international P4 trial, the first activated U.S. site in OPTIMAL P5, which evaluates CT-guided calcium modification, and is among the highest-enrolling sites in the NAVIGATE-PCI registry, evaluating PCI Navigator.
MHIF also hosts the 4th Annual CT-Guided PCI Summit, taking place November 12–13, 2026, in Minneapolis, bringing together experts to advance research, education, and clinical practice in CT-guided coronary intervention.
About the Center for Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world. As part of its mission to create a world without heart and vascular disease, MHIF has built a reputation as one of the world’s most distinguished champions in the fight against coronary artery disease (CAD) and established its Center for Coronary Artery Disease.
Under the leadership of Dr. Emmanouil Brilakis, along with Drs. Yader Sandoval and Nicholas Burke, MHIF’s Center for Coronary Artery Disease works to decrease the burden of CAD through research, innovation and education. An internationally recognized research institute, MHIF is integrated with a high-quality, high-volume cardiovascular care center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
About the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation®
The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) strives to create a world without heart and vascular disease. To achieve this bold vision, MHIF is dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of individuals and communities through innovative research and education.
Scientific Innovation and Research – MHIF is a recognized leader across all specialties of heart and vascular research. Each year, MHIF leads more than 220 research studies with more than 2,200 patients and publishes more than 250 articles to share learnings from research.
Education and Outreach – MHIF provides more than 11,000 hours of education each year putting its research into practice to improve outcomes among health care providers. This commitment extends to patients and caregivers through community health and education events to raise awareness of heart care and research, engaging individuals in their own health.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation’s work is funded by generous donors and sponsors and engages in cutting-edge research initiatives with its physician partners from the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute® at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and at community sites across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more information, please visit mplsheart.org.
