A new stent to keep a vital blood vessel open in newborns with heart defects

DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS STENT TO IMPROVE CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT MORTALITY

NIH-funded research Starlight Cardiovascular, INC. · NIH-11044511

This study is testing a new stent designed just for newborns with heart issues to help keep an important blood vessel open, making it safer and easier for doctors to treat these tiny patients without needing more surgeries.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStarlight Cardiovascular, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11044511 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a specialized stent for the ductus arteriosus, a crucial blood vessel in newborns that typically closes after birth. The stent is designed to address the unique anatomical challenges faced by pediatric cardiovascular physicians, who currently use adult devices that are not suitable for infants. By creating a stent specifically for this purpose, the research aims to reduce the need for reinterventions and the risks associated with open-heart surgery in neonates with congenital heart defects. The study involves testing the stent's feasibility and effectiveness in maintaining ductus patency, which is essential for the survival of affected newborns.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns with congenital heart defects that necessitate the maintenance of ductus arteriosus patency.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have congenital heart defects or are older than the neonatal age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the risks of morbidity and mortality in newborns with congenital heart defects requiring ductus arteriosus patency.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been efforts to adapt adult stents for pediatric use, this approach is novel as it specifically designs a stent for the unique needs of newborns with congenital heart defects.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.