# Splanchnic Nerve Modulation In Heart Failure (Splanchnic X)

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $539,820

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Heart failure (HF) affects more than 6 million adults in the U.S. alone, with increasing prevalence. Cardiovascular
congestion with resultant limitation in physical activity is the hallmark of chronic and decompensated HF. The
current HF physiologic model suggests that congestion is the result of volume retention and, therefore, therapies
(such as diuretics) have generally been targeted at volume overload. Yet therapeutic approaches to reduce
congestion have failed to show significant benefit on clinical outcomes, potentially due to an untargeted approach
of decongestive therapies. Our preliminary work suggested a complimentary contribution of volume redistribution
to the mechanism of cardiac decompensation. We identified the splanchnic nerves as a potential therapeutic
target and showed that short-term interruption of the splanchnic nerve signaling could have favorable effects on
cardiovascular hemodynamics and symptoms.
As part of our proposal, we will: (1) Investigate the impact of prolonged splanchnic nerve blockade on the
cardiovascular system in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); (2) Visualize splanchnic nerves
using intravascular imaging tools, and demonstrate technical success of the splanchnic nerve blockade; and (3)
Define the mechanisms of action of splanchnic nerve blockade and identify congestion phenotypes that respond
favorably to splanchnic nerve blockade.
The results of the proposed scientific aims will help test the paradigm shifting hypothesis of volume redistribution
as a driver of cardiovascular congestion and functional limitations and pave the way for splanchnic nerve
blockade as a novel therapeutic approach to HF.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10776570
- **Project number:** 1R01HL171305-01
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Marat Fudim
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $539,820
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-15 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10776570

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10776570, Splanchnic Nerve Modulation In Heart Failure (Splanchnic X) (1R01HL171305-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10776570. Licensed CC0.

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