Improving heart support devices for children with severe heart failure
Official title: Pediatric Transapical Double Lumen Cannula with Integrated Compliance Chambers Doubles Flow of Paracorporeal Pulsatile VAD
Funded at W-Z Biotech, LLC · NIH-10699790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new heart device designed just for kids with severe heart failure to make their treatment easier and help them move around better, while also improving how well the device works compared to the current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | W-Z Biotech, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $275,355 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL169071-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10699790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with severe heart failure who require a ventricular assist device.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild heart failure or those who do not require mechanical support may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of ventricular assist device (VAD) specifically for pediatric patients suffering from severe heart failure. The current FDA-approved device, the Berlin Heart EXCOR, has limitations in efficiency and can cause blood damage due to its design. The proposed solution is a transapical double lumen cannula that allows for a less invasive procedure and improves blood flow efficiency by continuously withdrawing and infusing blood. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall treatment experience for young patients and facilitate their mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide pediatric patients with a more efficient and less invasive heart support option, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in adult populations, indicating potential for success in pediatric applications.
Where this research is happening
-
W-Z Biotech, LLC
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Topaz, Stephen R — W-Z Biotech, LLC
- Study coordinator: Topaz, Stephen R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A Compact Heart Pump for Severe Heart Failure
This project is creating a new, easy-to-use heart pump to help people with severe heart failure recover or prepare for a heart transplant.
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Creating a new device to support heart function in patients with severe heart failure.
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that helps people with cardiogenic shock by supporting their heart while letting them move around, making it easier for them to recover and feel better.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.