Non-invasive device to monitor fluid buildup in heart failure
Non-Invasive Venous Waveform Analysis (NIVA) in patients with Heart Failure (HF)
A company-developed sensor and algorithm that reads venous wave patterns aims to track fluid levels in people with heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Volumetrix, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11070348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would wear a small sensor on the skin that records venous pulse waveforms, and a proprietary algorithm translates those signals into an estimate of your blood volume. The company has shown proof-of-concept results in both humans and animals that the signal relates to intravascular volume. This Phase IIB work focuses on refining the device interface and usability so it can be used reliably in clinics and homes. The goal is to bridge the device from testing toward wider clinical use and commercialization.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure who experience or are at risk for volume overload or recurrent hospitalizations for congestion are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without heart failure or those whose venous signal cannot be reliably recorded at the skin surface (for example due to extreme obesity or severe peripheral vascular disease) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clinicians a simple, non-invasive tool to detect and monitor fluid overload earlier and help reduce hospital admissions for heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Early human and animal proof-of-concept data suggest the NIVA signal correlates with intravascular volume, but broader clinical validation is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Volumetrix, LLC — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hocking, Kyle Mitchell — Volumetrix, LLC
- Study coordinator: Hocking, Kyle Mitchell
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 below.