Creating a new device to support heart function in patients with severe heart failure.
Official title: Development of a Minimally Invasive Single Cannulation, Compact Single Port Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (sppVAD) for Total LV Support
Funded at W-Z Biotech, LLC · NIH-10922122 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that helps people with cardiogenic shock by supporting their heart while letting them move around, making it easier for them to recover and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | W-Z Biotech, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,280,230 |
| NIH project number | 2R44HL158430-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922122 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from severe cardiogenic shock who require temporary mechanical circulatory support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable heart function or those not experiencing cardiogenic shock may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a minimally invasive device designed to support patients experiencing cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition characterized by low heart output. The new device aims to provide total left ventricle support while allowing patients to move around freely, which is crucial for their recovery. By bridging patients to recovery or further treatment options, this device could significantly improve their quality of life. The approach involves engineering a compact, single-port device that can be inserted with minimal surgical intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a revolutionary device that improves survival rates and quality of life for patients with severe heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in mechanical circulatory support devices, this specific approach is novel and aims to address significant gaps in current treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
W-Z Biotech, LLC
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Topaz, Stephen R — W-Z Biotech, LLC
- Study coordinator: Topaz, Stephen R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A Compact Heart Pump for Severe Heart Failure
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.
-
Improving heart support devices for children with severe heart failure
This study is testing a new heart device designed just for kids with severe heart failure to make their treatment easier and help them move around better, while also improving how well the device works compared to the current options.
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.