Developing a new platform for treating swallowing difficulties and pneumonia after a stroke
OpenNerve Platform for Post-Stroke Dysphagia and Aspiration Pneumonia
This study is testing a new device that helps people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke by stimulating certain nerves, which could make it easier for them to eat and lower their chances of getting pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080169 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an open-source system that can stimulate autonomic nerves to help patients who have difficulty swallowing and are at risk of aspiration pneumonia after a stroke. The project aims to validate this system through testing in large animals, ensuring it can effectively stimulate the cervical vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves. By using an open-architecture approach, the researchers hope to overcome the limitations of existing closed systems, making it easier for future clinical applications. Patients may benefit from improved swallowing function and reduced risk of pneumonia as a result of this innovative technology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are facing challenges with swallowing or are at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had a stroke or do not experience dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options for patients suffering from swallowing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia after a stroke.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using open-source systems for nerve stimulation is relatively novel, similar bioelectronic therapies have shown promise in other clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meng, Ellis — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Meng, Ellis
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 below.