A device to quickly identify heart implants in emergencies
Official title: Medical Device Identifier to Improve Emergency Triage
Funded at Bridgesource Medical Corporation · NIH-10932125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy device that helps emergency teams quickly find out what kind of heart device, like a pacemaker or defibrillator, a patient has, especially for older folks who might not be able to share that info, so they can get the right care faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bridgesource Medical Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $978,318 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG059499-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly patients who have received cardiovascular implants and may present to emergency departments without their device information.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular implants or those who do not require emergency medical attention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable handheld device that can identify Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and defibrillators in emergency situations. The device aims to assist emergency department personnel in quickly determining the type and manufacturer of a patient's implant, which is crucial for effective treatment. By eliminating the need for time-consuming x-rays, this innovation seeks to improve the speed and accuracy of care for patients with unknown CIEDs, particularly the elderly who may be unable to communicate their device information. The approach involves collaboration with CIED manufacturers to ensure compatibility and effectiveness in real-world emergency settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce treatment delays for patients with cardiovascular implants in emergency situations.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of identifying medical devices in emergencies is not widely tested, similar approaches in improving emergency care efficiency have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Bridgesource Medical Corporation
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walmsley, John — Bridgesource Medical Corporation
- Study coordinator: Walmsley, John
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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.