A new tool for placing heart devices through a small incision
Official title: PeriPath: A Single Incision Delivery Tool for Epicardial Pacing and Defibrillation: Phase 2
Funded at Pericor, LLC · NIH-10694084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pericor, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $850,378 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL166048-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10694084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children with congenital heart disease requiring pacing or defibrillation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart rhythm abnormalities who are not infants or young children may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a minimally-invasive tool that allows doctors to place pacing and defibrillation devices directly on the heart's surface through a single small incision. The approach aims to improve safety and effectiveness by using an endoscope for direct visualization, which reduces the need for more invasive surgeries like sternotomy or thoracotomy. By testing this tool in a controlled setting, the researchers hope to demonstrate that it can provide a safer alternative for infants and young children with heart rhythm issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and less painful procedures for young patients needing heart devices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar minimally-invasive techniques can be effective, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
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 device to safely access the heart without using X-rays.
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.
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.