Using electrical stimulation to enhance heart cell regeneration

Electrical Stimulation of Human CPCs

['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10774252

This study is looking at how using electrical stimulation on heart cells taken from kids with heart defects during surgery can help those cells grow better and work more effectively to treat heart failure.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10774252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of electrical stimulation on cardiac-derived progenitor cells (CPCs) to improve their regenerative potential in treating heart failure, particularly in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects. The approach involves isolating these cells from patients during surgery and applying electrical stimulation to enhance their growth and effectiveness. By focusing on a population that has not been extensively studied, the research aims to develop innovative therapies that could significantly improve outcomes for children suffering from heart conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients with congenital heart defects who are undergoing surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions unrelated to congenital defects or those who are not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heart failure in children, potentially improving their quality of life and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While stem cell therapies have shown promise in adults, this specific approach using electrical stimulation on pediatric CPCs is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

WINSTON-SALEM, 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.