Smart central line that continuously checks and corrects blood electrolytes
Real-Time Monitoring and Automated Electrolyte Repletion Using Ion-Selective, Sensor-Integrated Central Venous Catheters
A central venous catheter with built-in sensors that continuously reads your electrolyte levels and can automatically deliver corrections for hospitalized patients who already have a central line.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116044 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a specially designed central line with tiny ion sensors that continuously measure key blood electrolytes. The team will test the device first in the lab and in live models, then check how well it reads levels, stays accurate over time, and works with an automated delivery system under clinician oversight. Clinicians will validate any automatic corrections before or during human-use testing to keep care safe. The goal is to reduce frequent blood draws and detect electrolyte problems earlier for patients with central lines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized patients who already have a central venous catheter in place and need close electrolyte monitoring, such as those in intensive care.
Not a fit: People without a central line, outpatients, or those not needing continuous intravenous access are unlikely to benefit directly from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce the number of blood draws, speed detection and treatment of electrolyte problems, and lower the risk of hospital-acquired anemia for patients with central lines.
How similar studies have performed: Continuous intravascular glucose sensors have shown feasibility, but using ion-selective sensors integrated into central lines with autonomous correction is largely novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeo, Woon-Hong — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Yeo, Woon-Hong
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.