Creating a wearable device to monitor heart failure symptoms

Development of wearable monitor to detect decompensation in cardiac failure patients

['FUNDING_R21'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10949969

This study is testing a new wearable device that helps people with heart failure by spotting early signs of worsening health, so doctors can step in sooner and keep them out of the hospital.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10949969 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a wearable monitor that can detect early signs of decompensation in patients with heart failure. By using a previously established technology, the FlexNIRS platform, the team aims to create a device that can non-invasively measure physiological parameters related to fluid retention and microcirculation. This will allow healthcare providers to receive timely alerts about changes in a patient's condition, potentially leading to earlier interventions and reduced hospital readmissions. The research includes a pilot clinical trial to validate the effectiveness of this monitoring approach in real-world settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been admitted to the hospital due to decompensated heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with stable heart failure who are not experiencing any symptoms of decompensation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management of heart failure by enabling earlier detection of worsening symptoms, thus reducing hospital visits and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using wearable technology for monitoring chronic conditions have shown promise in improving patient outcomes, indicating potential success for this novel application.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.