NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving heart rhythm control after open heart surgery without medication.

Official title: Non-Pharmacologic Approach to Rhythm Control and Rate Control of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11094794 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for new ways to help people manage heart rhythm problems after surgery without using medications, by learning more about how inflammation affects the heart, and it’s being tested in dogs to find better treatments for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$402,500
NIH project number5R01HL167672-03
Project IDNIH-11094794 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have undergone open heart surgery and are experiencing postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not had heart surgery or those with atrial fibrillation due to other causes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding non-drug methods to manage postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication after heart surgery. It aims to explore alternative strategies for rhythm and rate control, particularly through understanding the underlying mechanisms of POAF using a canine model. By investigating the role of inflammation in the atria, the research seeks to develop more effective treatments that do not rely on traditional medications, which often have limited effectiveness and can cause adverse effects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients experiencing atrial fibrillation after heart surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on atrial fibrillation management, this approach focusing on non-pharmacologic strategies in a canine model is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Case Western Reserve University
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lee, Seungyup — Case Western Reserve University
  • Study coordinator: Lee, Seungyup

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.