Improving heart function after transplantation using a new technique

Protection of transplanted heart function by regulation of Na/K pump activity

NIH-funded research Wr Biotech, LLC · NIH-10691960

This study is testing a new method to help keep donor hearts healthy while they are stored, so they work better when transplanted into patients, ultimately aiming to make more hearts available for those in need of a transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWr Biotech, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10691960 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel technique called improved Synchronization Modulation Electric Field (i-SMEF) to protect donor hearts and enhance the function of transplanted grafts. The i-SMEF will be applied to donor hearts during cold storage, and the effectiveness will be evaluated in mice after heart transplantation. The goal is to address the challenges of ischemia reperfusion injury, which can lead to graft failure and mortality. By extending the storage time of donor hearts, this research aims to increase the availability of viable organs for transplantation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced-stage heart failure or complex congenital heart disease who may require a heart transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to heart function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart transplant outcomes and longer-lasting graft function for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in improving organ preservation and transplant outcomes in preliminary studies.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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 Communicable DiseasesInfectious Disease PathwayInfectious Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.