Heart electrical patterns that start and stop atrial fibrillation
Electrical Activity Patterns in Onset and Cessation of Atrial Fibrillation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11061766
Looking at heart electrical signals to find what triggers and ends atrial fibrillation so treatments for people with AF can be improved.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11061766 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using detailed computer simulations and high-resolution heart mapping to see how brief episodes of atrial fibrillation begin and stop. Much of the lab work uses panoramic optical mapping in isolated sheep hearts to recreate early AF and chart region-specific electrical behavior across the atria. The team will combine those maps with simulations to link activation patterns to underlying tissue differences. This is preclinical work meant to guide better-targeted treatments and future clinical studies in people with early AF.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage or newly diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation would be the most likely to benefit from findings and any future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with long-standing persistent AF or advanced structural heart disease are less likely to benefit from findings focused on early AF mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more precise ablation targets or new therapies that stop AF earlier and reduce complications.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory mapping and simulation studies have improved understanding of AF mechanisms, but translating those insights into consistently better patient outcomes has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERENFELD, OMER — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: BERENFELD, OMER
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.