New injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent dangerous heart rhythms
Official title: Injectable Hydrogel Electrodes to Prevent Ventricular Arrhythmias
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11008928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel that can be injected into the heart to help treat dangerous heart rhythms, making it easier for pacemakers to work better, especially in areas that are damaged or unhealthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | January 5, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,528 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162741-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of ventricular arrhythmias or those at high risk for sudden cardiac death due to heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any cardiac conditions or arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel injectable hydrogel that can be used as electrodes to treat ventricular arrhythmias, which are dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The approach involves creating a flexible conductive material that can fill both large and small coronary vessels, allowing for improved pacing in areas of the heart that are scarred or diseased. The research team will conduct various tests to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this new technology, which aims to interface with existing pacemaker systems to enhance their capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death by providing a new method to manage and treat dangerous heart rhythms.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar applications, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cosgriff-Hernandez, Elizabeth Marie — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Cosgriff-Hernandez, Elizabeth Marie
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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.