Using blue light to prevent infections in heart devices
Official title: Antimicrobial Blue Light Emitting Envelope for the Control of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10948180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help prevent infections in heart devices by using a special envelope that shines blue light to stop bacteria from growing, and it's for anyone who has or might need a heart device.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,154 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185539-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have or are scheduled to receive cardiac implantable electronic devices and are at risk for infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiac implantable electronic devices or those who are not at risk for infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to prevent infections associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) by using a special envelope that emits antimicrobial blue light. The study aims to evaluate how effectively this blue light can stop bacteria from forming biofilms on these devices, which are a major cause of infections. Researchers will conduct laboratory tests to see if the blue light can either prevent biofilm formation or eliminate existing biofilms on the devices. The goal is to find a safer alternative to current antibiotic treatments, which have not been very effective in reducing infection rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections in patients with cardiac devices, improving their health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of blue light for antimicrobial purposes is a novel approach, similar strategies have shown promise in other medical applications, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Tianhong — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dai, Tianhong
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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.