Protecting the Brain During Heart and Aortic Surgery
Excitotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Circulatory Arrest- Brain Injury
This work explores ways to protect the brain from injury during complex heart and aortic surgeries that temporarily stop blood flow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080242 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When patients undergo complex heart and aortic surgery, doctors sometimes need to temporarily stop blood flow to the body, which can risk brain injury. This project looks at specific brain mechanisms that cause damage during this time, focusing on how certain brain chemicals and cell powerhouses (mitochondria) are affected. Researchers are testing if medications like ketamine and diazoxide, delivered in a targeted way, can shield the brain. The goal is to find new ways to extend the safe time for these surgeries and reduce neurological problems for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who undergo complex heart and aortic surgeries requiring temporary circulatory arrest.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing complex heart and aortic surgeries with temporary circulatory arrest would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that protect the brain during complex heart and aortic surgeries, potentially reducing neurological injury and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While hypothermia is currently used, there are no proven pharmacologic agents in randomized trials that significantly improve outcomes, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawton, Jennifer S — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lawton, Jennifer S
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.