New method to treat heart rhythm problems in heart failure patients
Official title: Novel Stellate Ganglia Chemo-ablation Approach to Treat Cardiac Arrhythmia and Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10908608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, less invasive way to help people with chronic heart failure who have heart rhythm problems that don’t respond to medication, by targeting a specific group of nerves to improve their heart function and stability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL170127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from chronic heart failure and experience complex ventricular arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related arrhythmias or those who do not have chronic heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure by chemically ablating the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves that can contribute to heart rhythm issues. The method aims to block the blood supply to this nerve cluster, leading to the death of sympathetic neurons that cause harmful arrhythmias. By focusing on a less invasive technique compared to traditional surgery, the study seeks to provide a long-term solution for patients suffering from drug-resistant arrhythmias. Patients will be monitored for improvements in heart function and rhythm stability throughout the research period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias and improve the quality of life for heart failure patients.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional surgical approaches have shown effectiveness, this novel chemical ablation method is relatively untested, representing a new avenue in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hanjun — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hanjun
Related research
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3D ultrasound mapping to locate sources of abnormal heart rhythms
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Understanding a New Way to Control Heart Rhythm Problems
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Exploring the mechanisms behind heart rhythm disorders
This conference is all about helping doctors and researchers understand what causes irregular heartbeats, so they can find better ways to diagnose and treat these issues for people at risk of serious health problems like strokes or sudden heart failure.
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.