Investigating infections after heart surgery
Official title: Understanding and Addressing Variation in Healthcare-Associated Infections After Adult Cardiac Surgery
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10864996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people get infections after heart surgery and aims to find ways to prevent these infections, helping patients have a safer recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $472,416 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029026-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults scheduled for cardiac surgery, particularly those at higher risk for postoperative complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiac surgery or those with pre-existing conditions that significantly complicate surgical outcomes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why some patients develop healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) after undergoing heart surgery, such as coronary revascularization or valve repair. It aims to identify the factors that contribute to these infections, which affect about 10% of patients and can lead to serious complications. By analyzing data from various hospitals and examining care delivery networks, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of infections through better coordination of care. The findings could help healthcare providers implement more effective prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to reduced rates of infections after heart surgery, improving recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted interventions can reduce infection rates in surgical patients, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Likosky, Donald S — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Likosky, Donald S
Related research
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AKI-related delirium after heart surgery
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A clinician-scientist at UNC Chapel Hill is studying why some patients develop widespread, nociplastic-like pain after heart surgery and ICU stay, to improve prevention and care.
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This grant tests advanced data methods to find links between detailed intraoperative heart-surgery measurements and patient outcomes after procedures like CABG.
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Wearable ultrasound patch to monitor heart health after pediatric heart surgery
A small, disposable ultrasound patch worn on babies and young children after heart surgery will measure heart function and blood pressure in real time, aiming to catch problems early.
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Using smart computer predictions to prevent kidney injury after heart surgery
A machine-learning approach uses routinely collected hospital data to predict who might develop acute kidney injury after heart surgery, so clinicians can act early.
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.