A simulator to help plan surgeries for children with heart defects

A multi-physics simulator for pediatric cardiac surgical planning

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11083705

This study is working on a special computer program that helps doctors plan heart surgeries for kids with certain heart conditions by creating 3D models of their hearts, so they can better understand how to perform the surgery and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083705 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a multi-physics simulator to assist in planning surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, particularly those with single ventricle physiology. By creating detailed 3D anatomical models of the heart, the simulator aims to provide surgeons with predictive simulations that can improve surgical outcomes. The project addresses current limitations in surgical planning by incorporating critical data about heart structure and function, allowing for customized surgical approaches tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the precision of surgical interventions and ultimately improve patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with congenital heart disease, particularly those with single ventricle physiology.

Not a fit: Patients with non-congenital heart conditions or those who do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better surgical outcomes and reduced complications for children undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using computational modeling for surgical planning in cardiac procedures, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 2026-06-09 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.