NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving heart rhythm control using non-invasive techniques

Official title: Mechanistic refinement of non-invasive autonomic neuromodulation for cardiac arrhythmia

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10915675 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special technique called repetitive transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TcMS) can help improve heart rhythm problems, especially for people who have frequent episodes of fast heartbeats, and it aims to find new ways to manage these issues better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$173,340
NIH project number5K23HL161349-03
Project IDNIH-10915675 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia storms or other significant cardiac arrhythmias.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable heart rhythms or those who do not have arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the autonomic nervous system influences heart rhythm disorders, specifically cardiac arrhythmias. It explores a non-invasive method called repetitive transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TcMS) to modulate the autonomic nervous system and improve heart function. By studying the effects of TcMS on patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia storms, the research aims to enhance our understanding of heart rhythm management and develop new treatment strategies. Patients may undergo assessments to measure the impact of this technique on their heart's electrical properties.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective non-invasive treatments for patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive techniques for cardiac arrhythmias, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Markman, Timothy — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Markman, Timothy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • New roles for a heart protein in preventing dangerous rhythms

    A heart study will explore how a specific protein regulator (PP2A) affects ion channels that control heartbeat, with the goal of reducing dangerous arrhythmias.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11375997

  • Understanding how small potassium channels affect heart rhythm and disease

    Aims to understand how tiny calcium-activated potassium channels influence heart rhythm and potentially lead to new treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11294983

  • 3D ultrasound mapping to locate sources of abnormal heart rhythms

    This project uses a fast, radiation-free 3D ultrasound method to find where irregular heartbeats start in adults with arrhythmias.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11193775

  • Understanding a New Way to Control Heart Rhythm Problems

    This work explores how a specific protein in the heart helps regulate electrical signals, aiming to find new ways to prevent dangerous heart rhythm issues.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11128719

  • Exploring the mechanisms behind heart rhythm disorders

    This conference is all about helping doctors and researchers understand what causes irregular heartbeats, so they can find better ways to diagnose and treat these issues for people at risk of serious health problems like strokes or sudden heart failure.

    NIH research Gordon Research Conferences · East Greenwich, UNITED STATES · NIH-11065758

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.