How ECMO affects the left side of the heart during severe cardiogenic shock

Left ventricular physiological effects of veno-arterial ECMO support during cardiogenic shock

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11142616

This project looks at how veno-arterial ECMO (a heart–lung support machine) changes left-heart function in people with cardiogenic shock.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11142616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient perspective, the research combines animal experiments and clinical observations to see how VA-ECMO changes left ventricular performance, stroke work, and the risk of the left heart becoming distended. The team will record invasive hemodynamic measurements in controlled animal models and compare those findings with data from patients treated with VA-ECMO. They will examine different management strategies used during ECMO to identify approaches that protect the left ventricle and support recovery. The overall aim is to provide clearer guidance to clinicians about when and how to use ECMO safely in cardiogenic shock.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest who are being considered for or are receiving veno-arterial ECMO, particularly after acute myocardial infarction or with minimal pulsatility, match this work best.

Not a fit: People without cardiogenic shock (for example those needing ECMO only for respiratory failure), or those not eligible for ECMO, are unlikely to be directly affected by this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians use ECMO more safely and improve survival and heart recovery for people in cardiogenic shock.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies suggested ECMO can increase left-ventricular workload while some human observational reports show dramatic recovery in select patients, so prior results are mixed and this work aims to clarify them.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.