Understanding swallowing difficulties in patients after heart surgery

Mechanisms, predictors and clinical markers of dysphagia in cardiac surgical patients

['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11223638

This study is looking at why some people have trouble swallowing after heart surgery, and it aims to find ways to spot and help these issues early on, so patients can recover better and avoid problems like malnutrition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11223638 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the causes and clinical markers of dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. It aims to identify risk factors and develop tools for early detection and monitoring of dysphagia to improve patient care. By enrolling 360 cardiac surgical patients, the study will explore the physiological mechanisms behind swallowing impairment and create a proactive care model to address these issues effectively. The goal is to enhance recovery and reduce complications such as malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing cardiac surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cardiac surgery or those with pre-existing swallowing disorders unrelated to cardiac surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection and management of swallowing difficulties in cardiac surgery patients, ultimately reducing complications and enhancing recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While dysphagia is a recognized complication in various surgical settings, this specific approach targeting cardiac surgery patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.