Using sildenafil to improve blood vessel health in patients with heart failure on LVAD support
Sildenafil to Reduce Vascular Remodeling during Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
This study is looking at whether sildenafil, a medicine often used for lung high blood pressure, can help improve blood vessel health and prevent serious problems like stroke and bleeding in patients with advanced heart failure who are using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11050107 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of sildenafil, a medication commonly prescribed for pulmonary hypertension, to reduce harmful changes in blood vessels in patients receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy for advanced heart failure. The study aims to understand how sildenafil can help prevent severe vascular complications, such as stroke and bleeding, which are common in these patients. By enhancing nitric oxide signaling, the researchers hope to improve vascular health and reduce adverse events associated with LVAD support. Patients will be monitored for changes in vascular remodeling and overall health outcomes during the treatment period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced heart failure who are receiving or are candidates for LVAD therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have advanced heart failure or are not receiving LVAD therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure receiving LVAD therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like sildenafil can have beneficial effects on vascular health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saeed, Omar — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Saeed, Omar
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.