How aortic stiffness affects heart and blood vessel health

Effects of aortic compliance and Windkessel reduction on cardiac and aortic pathophysiology

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-10691294

This study is looking at how stiff aortic stent-grafts can affect your heart and blood vessels, and it aims to create a new type of stent-graft that feels more like your natural aorta to help keep your heart healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Omaha NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-10691294 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of aortic compliance and the Windkessel effect on heart and aortic health. It focuses on how stiff aortic stent-grafts can lead to increased heart workload and potential long-term damage. By developing a new type of stent-graft that mimics the natural elasticity of the aorta, the research aims to reduce harmful effects on the heart and improve overall cardiovascular function. Patients may be monitored for changes in heart structure and function as part of this investigation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have undergone or are candidates for aortic stent-grafting procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have aortic conditions or who are not undergoing stent-grafting procedures may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved stent-graft designs that better protect heart health and reduce complications for patients undergoing aortic interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that stent-grafts can have significant long-term effects on heart health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.