Improving brain and heart recovery after cardiac arrest by managing oxygen levels

Resuscitating the Brain and Heart Following Cardiac Arrest: Targeting Oxygen Toxicity

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11064863

This study is looking at whether giving less oxygen right after a cardiac arrest can help patients recover better, and it's for anyone who has experienced this serious condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064863 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how adjusting oxygen levels can improve recovery for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest. It challenges the common practice of providing high levels of oxygen after resuscitation, which may actually harm recovery. The study will test a new approach called oxygen restriction therapy (O2RT), where oxygen availability is limited for a short period after cardiac arrest. By observing the effects of this therapy on heart and brain function, the research aims to identify better treatment strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a cardiac arrest and require mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not mechanically ventilated or who have not experienced a cardiac arrest may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and neurological outcomes for patients recovering from cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of oxygen restriction therapy is novel, previous research has indicated that managing oxygen levels can significantly impact recovery outcomes in critically ill patients.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
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.