Portable device to quickly identify heart device type in ED
Official title: Medical Device Identifier to Improve Emergency Triage
Funded at Bridgesource Medical Corporation · NIH-11409317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small handheld tool helps emergency teams quickly identify a patient’s implanted heart device so they can treat them faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bridgesource Medical Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,511,003 |
| NIH project number | 1SB1AG102150-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with implanted CIEDs (pacemakers or defibrillators) who may present to emergency departments with unknown device information.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without implanted cardiac devices or those not presenting to EDs would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
In emergencies, many patients with implanted cardiac devices don’t have their device information available, which can slow care. This grant supports a portable handheld gadget that can identify the patient’s device model and maker, enabling clinicians to select the correct therapy more quickly. The project focuses on real-world use in EDs to reduce delays, improve safety, and shorten crowding-related waits. The approach involves validating the device across manufacturers and integrating it into existing emergency workflows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could shorten time to appropriate treatment for patients with implanted cardiac devices in emergency situations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches have relied on phone directories or X-rays with variable speed; this project introduces a dedicated handheld solution.
Where this research is happening
-
Bridgesource Medical Corporation
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walmsley, John — Bridgesource Medical Corporation
- Study coordinator: Walmsley, John
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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.