How mitral valve prolapse causes scarring of the heart
Mechanism of Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Mitral Valve Prolapse
Researchers are using a new animal model to pinpoint how mitral valve prolapse leads to localized heart scarring and dangerous ventricular arrhythmias in people with Barlow's syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project recreates mitral valve prolapse in a surgical sheep model to mimic the abnormal forces the valve places on the left ventricle and papillary muscles. The team will measure mechanical forces and follow the same hearts over 3, 6, and 9 months to track where and when scar tissue develops. They will combine imaging, tissue analysis, and electrical measurements to connect localized fibrosis with arrhythmias. The work aims to explain why some people with only mild valve leakage still develop life-threatening heart rhythms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mitral valve prolapse—especially Barlow's syndrome—or those with unexplained ventricular arrhythmias and localized left ventricular scarring would be the most relevant group for future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients without mitral valve prolapse or whose rhythm problems are caused by unrelated heart conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to detect or prevent scarring and reduce the risk of dangerous arrhythmias in people with mitral valve prolapse.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and observational studies have linked valve mechanics to localized scarring and arrhythmia, but experimental animal models have been limited, making this sheep model a relatively novel and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Robert a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Levine, Robert a
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.