Creating a new method to improve bladder surgery outcomes
Official title: Developing a SMART scaffold for bladder augmentation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11045329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a special scaffold to help improve bladder surgeries for people with serious bladder issues, making it safer and more effective by using better materials to support healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $557,575 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EB026572-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals facing severe bladder conditions requiring augmentation, such as those with trauma, urological cancers, spina bifida, or interstitial cystitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild bladder issues that do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a SMART scaffold to enhance bladder augmentation procedures, which are often necessary for patients with severe bladder conditions. The approach aims to address complications that arise from using bowel tissue for bladder reconstruction by creating a biocompatible scaffold that supports bladder tissue regeneration. The study will utilize advanced materials and technology to monitor the healing process in real-time, ensuring better outcomes for patients undergoing bladder augmentation. By improving the materials and methods used in these surgeries, the research seeks to reduce complications and enhance the overall success of bladder augmentation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications and improve recovery outcomes for patients undergoing bladder augmentation surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been attempts to improve bladder augmentation techniques, this research proposes a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ameer, Guillermo Antonio — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ameer, Guillermo Antonio
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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.