NIH-funded research R01 grant

High-Intensity Ultrasound to Shrink the Septum in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Official title: High-Intensity Ultrasound Ablation for Septal Reduction Therapy of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11307669 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new, less invasive ultrasound-based treatment is being developed to reduce the thickened heart septum in people with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

More Ultrasound research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 9, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$618,982
NIH project number5R01HL160712-05
Project IDNIH-11307669 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are adults with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who have LVOTO and are considered candidates for septal reduction but are at risk from current surgical or alcohol-based methods.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-obstructive HCM or those whose anatomy or health status makes catheter-based HIU unsuitable may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to refine a catheter-based high-intensity ultrasound therapy that targets the thickened heart septum to relieve obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers will optimize how deep and large the lesions are, improve catheter tracking, and verify noninvasive monitoring of the treatment. The study builds on promising animal data and is preparing for early human testing with a focus on safety and effectiveness. The work could lead to a simpler, safer option compared with current septal reduction methods.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce symptoms and improve safety for people with obstructive HCM, potentially lowering the need for more invasive procedures.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary large-animal data suggest that HIU can safely reduce septal tissue with favorable targeting of the mid-myocardium.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Washington
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nazer, Babak — University of Washington
  • Study coordinator: Nazer, Babak

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.