A Regenerative Vein Valve for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Biologically-engineered Transcatheter Vein Valve: Design Optimization and Preclinical Testing
This work aims to create a new type of vein valve that can be placed using a catheter and can regenerate within the body, offering a new treatment for chronic venous insufficiency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people suffer from chronic venous insufficiency in deep leg veins, which can lead to debilitating leg ulcers and is currently untreatable with existing options. This project is developing a novel vein valve made from engineered tissue grown on a special stent, designed to regenerate with your body's own cells. The goal is to create an 'off-the-shelf' valve that can be delivered minimally invasively and function effectively long-term. Researchers are optimizing the valve's shape using computer models and testing it in animal models to ensure it works well and prevents complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from chronic venous insufficiency in deep veins, especially those with debilitating leg ulcers untreatable by compression stockings, are the target beneficiaries of this future technology.
Not a fit: Patients whose venous insufficiency is mild, responsive to current treatments like compression stockings, or not related to deep vein valve dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new regenerative vein valve could provide a much-needed treatment for thousands of patients with chronic venous insufficiency who currently have no FDA-approved prosthetic vein valve options.
How similar studies have performed: Initial testing in animal models has shown promising results, with the valve meeting performance criteria and regenerating with host cells without significant complications.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tranquillo, Robert T — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Tranquillo, Robert T
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 below.