Understanding how VA-ECMO affects heart function in heart attacks
Official title: Modulation of Ventricular-Vascular Coupling in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-10866075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special heart-lung machine called VA-ECMO affects heart function in people having a severe heart attack, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,760 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL173696-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction who may require VA-ECMO support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable heart conditions or those not requiring advanced life support interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) on heart function during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It aims to understand how VA-ECMO increases the workload on the heart by altering afterload, which can lead to higher mortality rates. Using a preclinical animal model, the study will explore how changes in arterial properties impact heart function and test potential strategies to reduce these negative effects. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to improved treatment options for patients experiencing severe heart issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for patients undergoing VA-ECMO, potentially reducing mortality rates and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the dynamics of heart function during ECMO support, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Everett, Kay D. — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Everett, Kay D.
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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.