Dissolving zinc stents for children with heart conditions
Bioresorbable zinc-based drug-eluting stents for pediatric cardiovascular applications
This project is creating new stents made of a special zinc material that dissolves over time, designed to help children with heart defects like a narrowed aorta.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to improve a new type of stent that can be placed in a child's heart and then safely dissolve as the child grows. These stents are made from a unique zinc-based alloy and coated with medication to prevent issues. We are carefully testing different versions of these stents in the lab and in animal models to make sure they are strong, safe, and work well. The goal is to find the best design that can help children without interfering with their natural development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is specifically aimed at developing solutions for pediatric patients, particularly those with conditions like coarctation of the aorta.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have cardiovascular conditions requiring stents, or adults for whom traditional stents are suitable, would not directly benefit from this specific development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, safer treatment options for children with heart defects, allowing their arteries to grow naturally without needing repeated surgeries to replace permanent stents.
How similar studies have performed: While biodegradable stents are being explored, this specific zinc-lithium-manganese alloy with a drug-eluting coating represents a novel approach to overcome limitations of current materials.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Donghui — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Donghui
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.