Inhaling argon gas during CPR to protect organs and improve survival after cardiac arrest
Inhaled Argon during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation -A Novel Therapy to Improve Vital Organ Function and Survival after Cardiac Arrest
This work gives argon gas during CPR to people who have a cardiac arrest to help protect their brain and heart and improve chances of survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11213925 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would breathe a controlled mix containing the noble gas argon through breathing support right when CPR begins after a cardiac arrest to try to reduce damage from the lack of blood flow. The team will compare return of spontaneous circulation, organ function, and survival with and without argon and will study biological signals to understand how argon might protect tissues. The project is led by VA clinicians aiming to help Veterans who are at high risk for heart attacks and cardiac arrest. Findings could inform new treatments used during emergency resuscitation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who suffer a cardiac arrest and require CPR and ventilatory support, especially Veterans treated at participating hospitals.
Not a fit: People who do not receive CPR, children, or those with medical conditions that prevent inhaling supplemental gases would not be candidates and likely would not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could raise the odds of surviving cardiac arrest with less lasting brain and heart injury.
How similar studies have performed: A few small clinical and laboratory studies suggest noble gases like argon can protect organs, but giving argon immediately during CPR is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riess, Matthias L. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Riess, Matthias L.
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 below.