Developing a smart catheter to improve blood clot removal in stroke treatment
Official title: Smart Aspiration Catheter Based on Fiber Optic Pressure Sensing for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10514898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smart catheter that helps doctors remove blood clots during stroke treatment by giving them real-time information about how the procedure is going, making it safer and more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $460,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL161680-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10514898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing acute ischemic strokes caused by large vessel occlusion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with strokes not caused by large vessel occlusion or those who are not candidates for mechanical thrombectomy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the mechanical thrombectomy procedure used to treat acute ischemic strokes by developing a smart aspiration catheter equipped with fiber optic pressure sensors. These sensors will provide real-time feedback on the interaction between the catheter, blood clot, and artery, helping physicians make informed decisions during the procedure. The study aims to identify critical conditions such as gaps between the catheter and clot, catheter jams, artery collapses, and clot breakage, which can lead to complications and poor outcomes. By improving the safety and effectiveness of clot removal, this research seeks to reduce the risks associated with current thrombectomy methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for stroke patients, potentially improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced sensing technologies in medical devices, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Yihao — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Yihao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Robotic ultrasound-guided clot removal for stroke treatment
A new robot-assisted ultrasound system is being developed to help quickly reopen brain arteries during a stroke, with testing in patient-specific 3D-printed models and animal studies.
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Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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Predictors of recovery after stroke in rural Appalachia
This project tests blood protein markers to predict cognitive recovery after a stroke treated with thrombectomy, focusing on rural Appalachian patients.
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Predicting Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes with Smart, Transparent AI
A patient-friendly look at how new AI models may predict how well mechanical thrombectomy could work for individuals with acute ischemic stroke.
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Improving stroke treatment with a new catheter device for easier access.
This study is testing a new catheter device that helps doctors remove blood clots in the brain through the wrist instead of the groin, aiming to make the treatment for stroke patients safer and more effective.
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Improving treatment for acute ischemic stroke using advanced modeling techniques
This study is looking at how blood clots form in the brain and why some can be removed easily while others can't, with the goal of helping doctors improve treatments for people who have had a stroke.
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.