Biodegradable metal stents to keep arteries open
Biodegradable Metal Stent Alloys for Vascular Applications
This project develops new metal stents that slowly dissolve after holding arteries open, with the goal of lowering blood-clot risk and long-term drug needs for people with blocked arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322714 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are designing new metal stents made from alloys (like iron, magnesium, or zinc) that hold an artery open long enough to heal and then corrode away safely. The team tests the metals for strength, how they corrode over 6 months to 2 years, and whether they cause blood clotting or harm cells. Most work is done in the lab and in preclinical models to measure mechanical performance, blood compatibility, and breakdown products. If those steps go well, the devices could move toward human trials at medical centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with coronary or peripheral artery disease who need a stent to open a narrowed artery would be the likely candidates for future trials of this technology.
Not a fit: People who do not require stenting, who need permanent metallic support, or who have active bleeding or contraindications to stent procedures would not be expected to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these stents could keep arteries open without leaving permanent metal behind, potentially lowering clot and restenosis risk and reducing the need for lifelong blood-thinning drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical and some first-in-human work with magnesium- and zinc-based stents have shown promise, but biodegradable metal stent alloys remain experimental and are still being optimized.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinds, Monica T — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Hinds, Monica 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.