NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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

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

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11004087 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startJanuary 21, 2022
Project endDecember 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$138,226
NIH project number5K23HL157610-04
Project IDNIH-11004087 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

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

Less likely to help

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

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.

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 gone: 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

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cho, Sung-Min — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Cho, Sung-Min

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Diffuse optical brain imaging to monitor ECMO patients at bedside

    A patient-friendly look at using a safe, portable brain-imaging method to monitor children and adults on ECMO for brain health right at the bedside.

    NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11465648

  • Searching for inherited genetic causes of ME/CFS

    Researchers will sequence the genomes of relatives with ME/CFS to find rare inherited genetic changes that might cause the illness.

    NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11232343

  • Monitoring brain health in patients on life support for heart or lung failure

    This study is looking at new ways to safely check how your brain is doing while you're on ECMO, a life-saving treatment for serious heart or lung problems, to help doctors make better decisions and protect your brain health during your care.

    NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11005405

  • Developing a new pump for pediatric heart support

    This study is working on a new heart support pump specifically made for babies and young children, aiming to keep their blood safe while helping them breathe better.

    NIH research Mira Medical, LLC · Potomac, United States · NIH-11005336

  • Understanding how VA-ECMO affects heart function in heart attacks

    This study is looking at how a special heart-lung machine called VA-ECMO affects heart function in people having a severe heart attack, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients recover.

    NIH research Tufts Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-10866075

  • Identifying brain injury markers in critically ill children on ECMO.

    This study is looking to find new ways to check for brain injuries in kids who are getting a special treatment called ECMO for serious heart and lung problems, so doctors can better protect their brains and help them recover.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10545733

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.