Improved balloons for better control during gastrointestinal endoscopy
Official title: Micro-textured balloons with improved traction for better control in endoscopy
Funded at Aspero Medical, INC. · NIH-10684267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of balloon that has a special texture to help keep it in place during gastrointestinal procedures, which could make the process easier and more successful for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Aspero Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $960,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK126504-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly those requiring procedures in the small bowel.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require gastrointestinal endoscopy or have contraindications for the procedure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of micro-textured balloon designed to reduce slippage during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. The current smooth balloons often slip, leading to lower success rates and increased costs for patients. The study will involve a multi-site, randomized, double-masked clinical trial comparing the new balloon to an established device to determine its effectiveness in improving procedure outcomes. Patients participating in this research may help validate the benefits of this innovative technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to higher success rates in endoscopic procedures, reducing the need for repeat procedures and associated costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that innovations in endoscopic devices can significantly improve procedure outcomes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Aspero Medical, INC.
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rentschler, Mark — Aspero Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rentschler, Mark
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Flexible balloon overtube to make upper‑GI endoscopic cancer removal safer
This project is building and testing a flexible balloon overtube to help doctors remove cancerous and precancerous lesions from the esophagus and stomach more safely and easily.
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A new device to improve endoscopic procedures in the upper gastrointestinal tract
This study is testing a new flexible balloon device that helps doctors safely and effectively remove cancerous and precancerous growths from the upper digestive tract, making the procedure easier and better for patients.
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.