Improving the use of marginal donor hearts for transplantation with targeted nanomedicines

Targeted delivery of nanomedicines to the coronary microvasculature during ex vivo normothermic perfusion of marginal human hearts

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10992676

This study is looking at a new way to keep donor hearts healthy and working better before they are transplanted, using a special machine and tiny medicines to improve blood flow, which could help more people get the heart transplants they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992676 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the preservation and functionality of marginal donor hearts before transplantation. By using a technique called ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion, the study aims to restore blood flow and deliver specially designed nanomedicines directly to the heart's microvasculature. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques to monitor blood flow and the effectiveness of the nanomedicine delivery. This innovative method could potentially increase the number of usable donor hearts for patients in need of transplants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients awaiting heart transplantation, particularly those who may benefit from the use of marginal donor hearts.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who are not candidates for heart transplantation may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of donor hearts for transplantation, improving outcomes for patients with severe heart conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted nanomedicines for cardiovascular applications, suggesting that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in heart transplantation.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.