Testing a new therapy to prevent heart rhythm problems after surgery
Official title: Validation of Swine Model for Testing a Novel Therapy for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation using Nanoformulated Calcium Chloride to Suppress Cardiac Ganglionated Plexi
Funded at VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-10946722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that might help prevent a common heart problem after surgery by using a special formula to target certain nerves in the heart, and it's being done in pigs first to make sure it's safe and effective before trying it on people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Veterans Administration Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004859-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10946722 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing cardiac surgery, particularly those at high risk for developing postoperative atrial fibrillation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiac surgery or those with pre-existing conditions that contraindicate the use of the therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to validate a swine model for testing a novel therapy designed to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication following cardiac surgery. The approach involves using nanoformulated calcium chloride to target and suppress specific nerve clusters in the heart that contribute to this condition. By studying the effects of this therapy in swine, researchers hope to gather crucial data on its safety and effectiveness before considering human trials. This could lead to improved outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, leading to better recovery and fewer complications for patients after heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in canine models has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this swine model.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Veterans Administration Hospital
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Alex Y — VA Veterans Administration Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tan, Alex Y
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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.