Creating a new system for safer liver shunt procedures
Official title: Development of Optical Imaging/IVUS-Guided Micropuncture System for TIPS Creation
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10996167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help doctors create a special connection in the liver for patients with serious liver problems, making the procedure safer and easier, especially for kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 7, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $415,165 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients suffering from decompensated cirrhosis, acute variceal bleeding, or refractory ascites, particularly those who may require TIPS procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable liver conditions who do not require invasive procedures or those who are not candidates for TIPS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new optical imaging and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided micropuncture system to improve the safety and effectiveness of creating transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for patients with severe liver conditions. The innovative approach aims to reduce complications associated with the traditional TIPS procedure, which can be risky and challenging, especially for children. By integrating advanced imaging technology, the researchers hope to enhance precision during the procedure, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The study will involve testing this new system in animal models before considering human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications and improve the success rate of TIPS procedures, providing better treatment options for patients with severe liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: While TIPS procedures have been established, the integration of advanced imaging techniques in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Feng — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Feng
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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.