Using bioengineered pacemakers to control heart rate
Heart rate control with bioengineered pacemakers
This study is exploring a new way to help people with slow heartbeats or heart defects by creating a special type of pacemaker made from heart tissue, which could reduce the risks and surgeries linked to traditional pacemakers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10841587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing bioengineered pacemakers that can provide cardiac pacing without the need for traditional electronic devices. It aims to address the limitations of current pacemaker technology, particularly for patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias and congenital heart defects. The approach involves using regenerative tissue engineering to convert heart muscle into specialized pacemaker tissue through the delivery of a natural transcription factor gene. This innovative method seeks to minimize the complications associated with traditional pacemakers, such as infections and the need for multiple surgeries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients suffering from symptomatic bradyarrhythmias, particularly those with congenital heart defects or requiring pacemaker implantation.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bradyarrhythmic heart conditions or those who do not require pacing interventions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective heart rate management for patients with bradyarrhythmias, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar bioengineering approaches in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Hee Cheol — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Hee Cheol
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 below.