Using inhaled argon to improve survival and organ function after cardiac arrest
Official title: Inhaled Argon during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation -A Novel Therapy to Improve Vital Organ Function and Survival after Cardiac Arrest
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10951491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether breathing in argon gas during CPR can help protect your organs and improve your chances of surviving a cardiac arrest, making it easier for your heart to start beating again and reducing any brain damage afterward.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005993-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a cardiac arrest and are undergoing CPR.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a cardiac arrest or those with conditions that preclude CPR may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of inhaled argon gas during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to protect vital organs and improve survival rates after cardiac arrest. The study focuses on the protective mechanisms against ischemia/reperfusion injury, which can occur when blood flow is restored after a cardiac event. By administering argon gas immediately upon resuscitation, the research aims to enhance the rate of return of spontaneous circulation and reduce neurological deficits. The approach is based on the unique biological effects of noble gases, which may interact with cellular signaling pathways to provide organ protection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and neurological outcomes for patients who experience cardiac arrest.
How similar studies have gone: While few studies have explored the use of argon in cardiac arrest scenarios, this approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of immediate resuscitation.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riess, Matthias L. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Riess, Matthias L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Multi-center study on how ventilation during CPR relates to cardiac arrest outcomes
A large, real-world study will look at how ventilation during CPR affects survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in adults.
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Specialized post-arrest care after cardiac arrest
A large, nationwide effort tests whether transferring cardiac arrest patients to a specialized post-arrest care center improves recovery compared with usual care.
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Reduce bias in predicting brain recovery after cardiac arrest
This project aims to make brain-recovery predictions more accurate for people who survive cardiac arrest by comparing outcomes between the United States and Brazil.
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Fairer brain recovery predictions after cardiac arrest through U.S.–Brazil collaboration
This project aims to find better ways to predict brain recovery for people who survive cardiac arrest but have possible brain injury.
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Improving predictions of brain recovery after cardiac arrest
This project compares outcomes after cardiac arrest in the U.S. and Brazil to learn which tests best predict who will regain brain function for people who survive cardiac arrest.
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Reducing biased predictions of brain recovery after cardiac arrest
This project looks at cardiac arrest survivors in the US and Brazil to find more accurate ways to predict brain recovery and avoid premature stopping of life support.
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.