A simulator to help plan surgeries for children with heart defects
Official title: A multi-physics simulator for pediatric cardiac surgical planning
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11083705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173845-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with congenital heart disease, particularly those with single ventricle physiology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-congenital heart conditions or those who do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsden, Alison L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Marsden, Alison L
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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.