Improving heart rhythm control after open heart surgery without medication.

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

['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11094794

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

CLEVELAND, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.