A Blue Light Device to Prevent Heart Device Infections
Antimicrobial Blue Light Emitting Envelope for the Control of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections
This project explores a new device that uses blue light to stop infections on pacemakers and other heart implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Infections on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) like pacemakers are a serious problem, often caused by bacteria forming protective layers called biofilms. Current treatments and prevention methods aren't always enough, so we need new ways to fight these infections. This project is testing a special envelope that emits antimicrobial blue light directly onto the device surface. We want to see if this blue light envelope can prevent bacteria from forming biofilms or even get rid of existing ones, which could significantly lower the risk of infection for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have or will receive cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators, are the target beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without cardiac implantable electronic devices or those whose infections are not caused by biofilm-forming bacteria may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could offer a new way to prevent life-threatening infections in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.
How similar studies have performed: While blue light has shown promise in other antimicrobial applications, this specific application of an antimicrobial blue light-emitting envelope for cardiac devices is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Tianhong — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dai, Tianhong
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.