Understanding the experiences of older patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Prospective Investigation of Palliative and End-of-Life ExpeRiences with ICDs (PIPER-ICD) Study

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10877751

This study is looking at how older patients feel and manage their lives after getting a heart device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) over five years, to help make better decisions about their care, especially when it comes to replacing or turning off the device as they approach the end of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877751 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the experiences of older patients who have received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) over five years after implantation. It aims to gather longitudinal data on their health status, quality of life, and clinical experiences, particularly focusing on critical decisions such as whether to replace ICDs or deactivate them to prevent painful shocks at the end of life. The study will involve 1,200 patients across five sites, utilizing remote monitoring data to evaluate their clinical and functional trajectories. By understanding these experiences, the research seeks to support patient-centered decision-making for older adults living with ICDs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not received an ICD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved decision-making and quality of life for older patients with ICDs, particularly in end-of-life care.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated the importance of understanding patient experiences with ICDs, but this specific approach focusing on older adults is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.