Developing a total artificial heart for children with severe heart failure
Urgent and unmet need for a long-term solution for increasing pediatric heart-failure population: BiVACOR Rotary Total Artificial Heart
This study is working on a special heart support device just for kids with severe heart failure, to help them while they wait for a heart transplant, since current options are often too big or not right for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bivacor, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10687110 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a long-term mechanical heart support device specifically designed for children suffering from end-stage heart failure. Current devices are often too large or unsuitable for pediatric patients, leading to a critical need for a total artificial heart that can accommodate the unique anatomical and physiological requirements of children. The project aims to address the challenges of size, development, and the varying causes of heart failure in young patients, ultimately improving their chances of survival while waiting for a heart transplant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 21 years old who are experiencing end-stage heart failure and are not suitable candidates for existing mechanical support devices or heart transplants.
Not a fit: Patients with heart failure who are older than 21 years or those whose heart conditions are not severe enough to require mechanical support may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a life-saving solution for children with severe heart failure who currently have limited treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in mechanical heart devices for adults, this approach for pediatric patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Bivacor, INC. — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timms, Daniel — Bivacor, INC.
- Study coordinator: Timms, Daniel
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.