A new stent that uses wireless technology to help treat breathing problems caused by cilia dysfunction.
Official title: Wirelessly Actuated Ciliary Stent for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Cilia Dysfunction
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11140512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of airway stent that uses tiny, moving parts to help clear mucus and improve breathing for people with COPD, making it easier and safer than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,605 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035200-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other conditions that lead to airway obstruction and mucus accumulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-obstructive lung conditions or those who do not have issues related to cilia dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an innovative ciliary stent that incorporates wirelessly actuated artificial cilia to address cilia dysfunction, particularly in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The stent is designed to support the airway and facilitate mucus transport, reducing the need for frequent bronchoscopy and minimizing the risks associated with traditional airway stents. By mimicking the natural movement of cilia, this device could improve airflow and reduce mucus buildup in the lungs, enhancing patient comfort and health. The approach is minimally invasive, utilizing a magnetic actuation system to control the cilia without the need for additional surgical procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve breathing and quality of life for patients with airway obstruction due to cilia dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using artificial cilia for medical applications is innovative, similar approaches have shown promise in preliminary studies, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Xiaoguang — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Dong, Xiaoguang
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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.