A 3D, patient-tailored, soft implant toolkit to prevent stroke in AF patients
Official title: A transcatheter manufacturing toolkit for minimally-invasive and patient-specific device-based stroke prevention
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11400305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, minimally invasive approach aims to create a personalized, soft implant inside the heart to seal off a risky area and reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $391,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R61HL177503-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with atrial fibrillation who are considered candidates for left atrial appendage occlusion and whose anatomy would benefit from a personalized, in-body formed implant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose anatomy is not suitable for a soft, in-body formed implant or who require alternative stroke-prevention strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on making a soft, patient-specific device inside the body to block the left atrial appendage, a common source of clots in atrial fibrillation. By forming the implant in place, it aims to fit the unique anatomy of each patient and avoid rigid, off-the-shelf devices. The work will combine minimally invasive techniques with new materials and workflows to enable in-body manufacturing and stabilization of the implant. If successful, this approach could simplify the procedure and potentially reduce long-term bleeding risks associated with anticoagulation. The grant supports early development and proof-of-concept studies toward a future clinical pathway for personalized LAA occlusion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with atrial fibrillation could have a safer, more comfortable stroke-prevention option that is tailored to their heart anatomy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous attempts used standard-size devices; this project explores a new, personalized in-body manufacturing approach with promising concept-stage potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roche, Ellen T. — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Roche, Ellen T.
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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.