Smart cannula tip for better heart pump control

Cannula Tip with Integrated Volume and Pressor Sensors for Rotary Blood Pump Control

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10613480

This study is working on a new smart device for people with severe heart failure that helps their heart pump better by automatically adjusting to their needs, making it easier for them to be active and enjoy life more.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10613480 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the control of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) used in patients with severe heart failure. The project aims to develop a smart cannula tip that integrates sensors to measure pressure and volume in the left ventricle, allowing the pump to adjust its speed based on the patient's physiological needs. This approach seeks to enhance the exercise capacity and overall quality of life for patients by providing more responsive and adaptive support from the device. By creating a control algorithm that reacts to real-time data, the research hopes to address current limitations in LVAD technology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage heart failure who are currently using or are candidates for left ventricular assist devices.

Not a fit: Patients with mild heart failure or those who do not require mechanical support may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life and exercise capacity for patients with heart failure using LVADs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing responsive control systems for LVADs, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in patient care.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.