Creating a new method to improve bladder surgery outcomes

Developing a SMART scaffold for bladder augmentation

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11045329

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045329 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with mild bladder issues that do not require surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Chicago, 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.
Conditions acute kidney injury
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.