Surgical fixes for heart rhythm problems caused by leaking mitral valves
Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias
This project looks at whether targeting inflammation and tissue changes can help surgical approaches stop atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in people with mitral valve leakage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161599 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare heart remodeling in a minimally invasive dog model of mitral regurgitation with detailed imaging and electrical mapping from patients who have mitral valve leakage. Patients get delayed‑enhancement MRI to show scar and structural change and noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging to map abnormal rhythms. The team will look for patterns of immune cell infiltration that match the anatomic and electrical changes. That information will be used to guide surgical or targeted interventions aimed at restoring normal rhythm and lowering arrhythmia risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with mitral regurgitation, particularly those who have or are at risk for atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias and who are being evaluated for valve or rhythm procedures.
Not a fit: People without mitral valve leakage or whose arrhythmias arise from unrelated causes (for example, primary inherited electrical disorders) are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more precise surgeries that restore normal heart rhythm and lower the risk of dangerous ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
How similar studies have performed: Prior randomized trials have shown surgical ablation can restore normal rhythm in mitral valve disease, while using immune‑cell patterns to guide surgery is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damiano, Ralph J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Damiano, Ralph J
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.