Using supplemental oxygen to treat pulmonary embolism

Supplemental Oxygen for Pulmonary Embolism (SO-PE) - A Mechanistic Clinical Trial

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10918051

This study is looking at how extra oxygen might help people with acute pulmonary embolism by easing pressure in the lungs and helping the heart work better, and it will involve patients in the emergency department at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as some research with pigs to see if the same benefits can apply to humans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10918051 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how supplemental oxygen can help patients suffering from acute pulmonary embolism (PE) by reducing pressure in the pulmonary artery and improving heart function. The study will involve patients in the emergency department at Massachusetts General Hospital, where experienced researchers will monitor the effects of oxygen therapy. Additionally, a porcine model will be used to understand the underlying mechanisms of how oxygen alleviates symptoms of PE. The goal is to determine if the benefits observed in pigs can also be applied to human patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism who are receiving treatment in the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pulmonary conditions or those who do not have acute pulmonary embolism may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for patients with acute pulmonary embolism, potentially saving lives and enhancing recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that supplemental oxygen can have beneficial effects in similar acute conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.