Several cardiology focused trials have been honoured with an inaugural Excellence in Trial Statistics Award this week.

Trial of the Year was awarded to the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists for their Aspirin and Tranexamic Acid for Coronary Artery Surgery (ATACAS) trial.

The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA) event showcases excellence in large, complex multinational trials addressing a critical need or evidence gap.

The Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) study also received recognition. Led by the Australasian Sleep Trials Network and Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, the study as reported in the limbic, identified that CPAP does not reduce the risk of recurrent strokes and heart attacks for people with established cardiovascular disease.

First runner up was the BOOST II Australia trial, led by the Interdisciplinary Maternal Perinatal Australasian Collaborative Trials (IMPACT) Network, which explored the benefits of oxygen saturation targeting through a randomised controlled trial in premature infants.

The Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke (ENCHANTED) study led by the Australasian Stroke Trial Networks also received an honour for demonstrating the benefits and safer use of reduced dose of clot-busting drug rtPA for patients with acute stroke.

ACTA chair Professor John Zalcberg said it was an honour to celebrate the highest calibre of clinical trials conducted not only in Australia but also on the international stage.

“Trials like these are the mainstay of our high-quality healthcare system. They are integral to ensuring we can work more effectively and efficiently and above all provide the best possible care for our patients,” he said