NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving heart surgery outcomes by optimizing blood flow during surgery

Official title: Optimizing pulsatility during cardiopulmonary bypass to reduce acute kidney injury

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10909850 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changing the way blood flows during heart surgery might help protect your kidneys and lower the chances of kidney problems afterward, so you can recover better after your operation.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 15, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$181,118
NIH project number5K23HL151882-05
Project IDNIH-10909850 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for cardiac surgery who are at risk of developing acute kidney injury.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing cardiac surgery or those with pre-existing severe kidney disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how adjusting the pulsatility of blood flow during cardiopulmonary bypass can help protect kidney function and reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study aims to understand the relationship between blood flow patterns and organ health, particularly focusing on the kidneys, which can be adversely affected during surgery. By collaborating with a team of experts in various fields, the research seeks to develop innovative clinical practices that enhance patient recovery and outcomes after surgery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, leading to better overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in optimizing blood flow during surgeries, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in patient care.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Clendenen, Nathan — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Clendenen, Nathan

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.