Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages Any age to 17

Transplanting patients' own mitochondria to improve heart function after ischemia

Official title: Transplantation of Autologously Derived Mitochondria for Protection Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Following Ischemia in Subjects on ECMO Support

Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT02851758 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether injecting children's own mitochondria into their heart can help improve heart function after a lack of blood flow during ECMO treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
AgesAny age to 17 Years
SexAll
Enrollment16 (estimated)
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 2, 2017
Main results expectedJune 2027
Study endsJune 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 5, 2026
Trial IDNCT02851758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric cardiology patients under 18 years old who are on ECMO and at risk for ischemic injury.

Probably not a fit

Patients with known mitochondrial disorders may not benefit from this intervention.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by injecting autologous mitochondria directly into the ischemic heart muscle. The mitochondria are extracted from the patient's own skeletal muscle during a surgical procedure or cardiac catheterization and then injected into the damaged area or the proximal aorta for distribution. This approach seeks to enhance heart recovery and minimize complications associated with ECMO. The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment method.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients requiring ECMO.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using autologous mitochondria is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in related areas, but this specific application is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric cardiology patients under the age of 18 on ECMO
* concerns for ischemic injury on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known mitochondria disorders

Where it's running

  • Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.