Understanding how to safely stimulate the heart during MRI scans
Official title: Modeling, measurement and prediction of cardiac magneto-stimulation thresholds
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10925346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how MRI machines can affect the heart and aims to find safer limits for heart stimulation during scans, which could help make MRI procedures safer and more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $512,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033853-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with known cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias who may require MRI scans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any cardiac issues or those who do not require MRI scans are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the phenomenon of cardiac magneto-stimulation, which occurs during MRI scans when the gradient coils rapidly switch. The study aims to gather data on the thresholds for safe heart stimulation, as current FDA limits are based on outdated methodologies that may not accurately reflect the risks involved. By using direct measurements in animal models, the research seeks to refine these safety limits, potentially allowing for improved MRI technology and patient safety. Patients may benefit from more effective MRI procedures with reduced risks of cardiac complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer MRI procedures for patients with heart conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying cardiac magneto-stimulation is relatively novel, similar research in refining safety limits for medical procedures has shown promise in the past.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerin, Bastien — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Guerin, Bastien
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.