A Compact Heart Pump for Severe Heart Failure

Development of a Minimally Invasive Single Cannulation, Compact Single Port Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (sppVAD) for Total LV Support

NIH-funded research W-Z Biotech, LLC · NIH-11193812

This project is creating a new, easy-to-use heart pump to help people with severe heart failure recover or prepare for a heart transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionW-Z Biotech, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11193812 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cardiogenic shock is a very serious condition where your heart can't pump enough blood, leading to organ damage and a high risk of death. Current temporary heart support devices often require major open-chest surgery or keep you confined to a hospital bed with limited movement. This new device aims to provide full heart support through a less invasive procedure, allowing patients to move around more easily. The goal is to help patients recover, bridge them to a long-term heart assist device, or prepare them for a heart transplant, potentially even allowing them to go home with the device.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients experiencing severe cardiogenic shock who need temporary mechanical support for their left ventricle would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with less severe heart conditions or those who do not require total left ventricular support may not benefit from this specific device.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could offer a less invasive and more mobile option for temporary heart support, improving recovery and quality of life for patients with severe heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While existing devices provide some support, this approach aims to combine minimal invasiveness with total left ventricular support and ambulation, addressing a current gap in temporary mechanical circulatory support.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.