Creating adjustable devices to help children with heart defects
Developing near-infrared responsive liquid crystal elastomers for an adjustable pulmonary artery band
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-10892901
This study is working on a new kind of band for kids with heart problems that can be easily adjusted with light, so they won't need as many surgeries as they grow or their health changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10892901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative materials for pulmonary artery bands (PABs) used in children with congenital heart defects. These bands are crucial for regulating blood flow in patients with pulmonary hypertension but are typically fixed, requiring multiple surgeries for adjustments. The project aims to create a new type of PAB that can be adjusted using light, allowing for minimally invasive modifications as the child grows or their condition changes. The research involves both material development and testing how the body responds to these new materials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children diagnosed with critical congenital heart defects requiring pulmonary artery banding.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital heart defects that do not require pulmonary artery banding or those who are older than 21 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for repeated surgeries in children with congenital heart defects, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using stimuli-responsive materials in medical devices have shown promise in other areas, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — Boulder, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SKILLIN, NATHANIEL PHILLIP — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: SKILLIN, NATHANIEL PHILLIP
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.