Effects of ECMO support on heart function during severe heart failure
Official title: Left ventricular physiological effects of veno-arterial ECMO support during cardiogenic shock
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10898923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special heart support machine called VA-ECMO helps people with severe heart failure, especially focusing on how it affects the heart's left ventricle, to better understand its benefits and any possible issues for patients in critical condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $639,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160973-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from cardiogenic shock, particularly those who may require mechanical support like VA-ECMO.
✕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 investigates how veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) affects the heart's left ventricle during cardiogenic shock, a critical condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood. The study aims to understand the physiological impacts of VA-ECMO, which is a mechanical support system that can quickly provide blood and oxygen to patients in severe heart failure. By analyzing both animal models and clinical data, the researchers hope to clarify the benefits and potential complications of this treatment approach, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes. Patients may be monitored for changes in heart function and recovery rates following the use of VA-ECMO.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the use of VA-ECMO, indicating that while it can improve outcomes in some patients, its effects on heart function are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yannopoulos, Demetris — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Yannopoulos, Demetris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Predicting Risk and Treatment Effects in Cardiogenic Shock after Heart Attack
This grant backs a patient-focused effort to use modern methods to understand how to best use life-saving devices in people who have a heart attack with severe heart pump failure.
-
How ECMO affects the left side of the heart during severe cardiogenic shock
This project looks at how veno-arterial ECMO (a heart–lung support machine) changes left-heart function in people with cardiogenic shock.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Understanding how small heat shock proteins protect our cells
A study from the University of Washington explores how tiny chaperone proteins protect eye and other cells from damage, which could help prevent conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
-
A new approach to freeing HIV from brain cells and reducing brain inflammation
A patient-focused approach tests a strategy to flush out hidden HIV in the brain and protect brain health by reducing inflammation.
-
Shock patients: better, faster teamwork to find the cause
A team of clinicians works together to quickly identify the exact cause of a patient’s shock to guide the right treatment.
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.