A new biodegradable device for treating peripheral arterial disease
Official title: Biocarpet: The Next Generation Endovascular Device for Peripheral Arterial Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10914995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device called the Biocarpet, which is designed to help people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by providing a gentle support for their blood vessels, with the hope of improving their treatment results and reducing complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R61HL170300-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, particularly those experiencing advanced symptoms requiring intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild PAD or those who are not candidates for endovascular interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing the Biocarpet, a novel endovascular device designed to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The Biocarpet is a fully biodegradable sheet that conforms to the patient's vascular anatomy, aiming to reduce the mechanical stress on blood vessels during deployment. By addressing the common issues of restenosis and device failure associated with current treatments like balloon angioplasty and stents, this approach seeks to improve long-term outcomes for patients with PAD. The research involves testing the Biocarpet's effectiveness and durability in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and durable treatments for patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease, potentially reducing the need for amputations.
How similar studies have gone: While the Biocarpet represents a novel approach, similar biodegradable devices have shown promise in other vascular applications, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vande Geest, Jonathan Pieter — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vande Geest, Jonathan Pieter
Related research
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This grant explores why people with chronic kidney disease have faster, more severe peripheral artery disease and how specific cellular pathways contribute to worse blood flow and limb risk.
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.