A new device to safely access the heart without using X-rays.
Official title: PeriScope: A Novel Videoscope and Toolkit to Enable Fluoro-free Pericardial Access for Epicardial Ablation
Funded at Pericor, LLC · NIH-10920941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool called PeriScope that helps doctors see better during heart procedures, making it safer for patients who need treatment for heart rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pericor, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,922 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL174307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from ventricular tachycardia who may require epicardial ablation procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ventricular tachycardia or those who are not candidates for epicardial ablation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel videoscope and toolkit called PeriScope, which aims to improve the safety of accessing the pericardium for epicardial ablation procedures. Currently, these procedures rely on fluoroscopic guidance, which can lead to complications due to the difficulty in visualizing critical cardiac structures. The PeriScope will utilize color imaging to provide clearer visibility, potentially reducing the risk of accidental injuries during the procedure. The project will involve creating a smaller access needle while ensuring high image quality, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes during heart ablation treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications associated with heart ablation procedures, leading to safer treatments for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using color imaging for pericardial access is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in other medical fields, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pericor, LLC
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Opfermann, Justin — Pericor, LLC
- Study coordinator: Opfermann, Justin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new tool for placing heart devices through a small incision
This study is testing a new, less invasive way for doctors to place heart devices directly on the heart using a tiny camera, which could make it safer and easier for babies and young kids with heart rhythm problems.
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.