Creating a new device to help treat fetal urinary tract blockages

Developing a novel vesico-amniotic shunt to treat fetal lower urinary tract obstruction

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · VORTEX MEDICAL INC. · NIH-11008082

This study is testing a new device to help babies with a serious condition called lower urinary tract obstruction, which can cause health problems before birth, by making it easier for doctors to perform surgery and improve the chances of a successful treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVORTEX MEDICAL INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WOODSIDE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11008082 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel vesico-amniotic shunt to treat fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), a serious birth defect that can lead to significant health complications. The approach involves fetal surgery to implant a new type of shunt that aims to improve the success rate of treatment by reducing the chances of dislodgement and enhancing visibility during ultrasound. The device has been tested in preliminary studies, showing promise in improving outcomes for affected fetuses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals whose fetuses have been diagnosed with severe lower urinary tract obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients whose fetuses do not have lower urinary tract obstruction or have mild cases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for fetuses diagnosed with lower urinary tract obstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to treating fetal urinary tract obstructions can be effective, but this specific device is novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

WOODSIDE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.