How left atrial scarring links atrial fibrillation and stroke
Mechanistic Relationships Between Fibrosis, Fibrillation, and Stroke: Multi-Scale, Multi-Physics Simulations
Researchers are using detailed computer models plus a small clinical test to learn how scarring in the left atrium causes blood clots and stroke in people with or without atrial fibrillation.
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 ID | NIH-11393670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines advanced 3-D computer simulations of heart structure and blood flow with clinical imaging and patient data to explore how left atrial fibrosis leads to thrombosis. The team will build multi-scale, multi-physics models that include tissue structure, electrical activity, and contractile function to see how these factors interact. They will run a prospective proof-of-concept clinical study to compare model predictions with patient imaging, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes in people with atrial fibrillation or unexplained embolic stroke. The aim is to link simulation results to real patient tests so findings could inform future stroke risk prediction and prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with atrial fibrillation or with embolic stroke of undetermined source who can undergo cardiac imaging and clinic follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients without atrial disease or left atrial scarring, or those unable to complete imaging or follow-up visits, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors better predict who is at high risk for stroke and personalize blood-thinning treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging and observational studies link left atrial fibrosis to stroke risk, but combining detailed computer simulations with a prospective clinical test is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyle, Patrick M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Boyle, Patrick M
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.