A device to quickly identify heart implants in emergencies

Medical Device Identifier to Improve Emergency Triage

NIH-funded research Bridgesource Medical Corporation · NIH-10932125

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBridgesource Medical Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932125 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly patients who have received cardiovascular implants and may present to emergency departments without their device information.

Not a fit: Patients without cardiovascular implants or those who do not require emergency medical attention may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Austin, 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.