Investigating the effects of blood clots and oxygen levels during heart support treatment.

CLots and Oxygen in Va-ExtracorpoReal membrane oxygenation (CLOVER) study

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11004087

This study is looking at how the heart-lung machine used in severe heart failure treatment might cause blood clots and brain injuries, with the goal of finding ways to help patients have better brain health during and after their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004087 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on patients receiving Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO), a critical treatment for severe heart failure. It aims to understand how exposure to the ECMO circuit can lead to blood clots and how high oxygen levels may cause brain injuries. By examining these factors, the study seeks to identify potential interventions that could improve neurological outcomes for patients. The research involves monitoring patients' blood and brain health during and after ECMO treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are receiving VA-ECMO for severe cardiac failure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing VA-ECMO or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing brain injuries in patients undergoing ECMO treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that managing blood clotting and oxygen levels can significantly impact patient outcomes in similar critical care settings.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
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.