Using carbon nanotube fibers to improve heart conduction
In Vivo Restoration of Myocardial Conduction with Carbon Nanotube Fibers
This study is looking at a new way to help people with heart rhythm problems, especially veterans, by using special fibers that can improve how electrical signals move in the heart, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like ventricular tachycardia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911079 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTf) to enhance the electrical conduction in the heart, which is crucial for preventing dangerous heart rhythms. The team, led by Dr. Mark McCauley, aims to validate these fibers as a biocompatible material that can restore normal conduction in heart tissue affected by conditions like ventricular tachycardia. By combining expertise in electrophysiology and bioengineering, the project seeks to develop a new treatment approach for patients with cardiac arrhythmias, particularly among veterans who are at higher risk. The methodology involves testing the effectiveness of CNTf in restoring conduction in heart models, which could lead to innovative therapies for heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and individuals with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or conditions that affect heart conduction.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those who do not have arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from life-threatening heart arrhythmias.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of carbon nanotubes in medical applications is emerging, this specific approach to restoring myocardial conduction is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccauley, Mark D — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mccauley, Mark D
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.