Improving bypass grafts for lower leg arteries
Official title: Lower Extremity Bypass Graft With Physiologic Longitudinal Pre-Stretch
Funded at University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-11035252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make bypass grafts used in leg surgeries work better and last longer, especially for people with knee issues, by creating new materials that act more like healthy arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Omaha NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,293 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152301-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from peripheral artery disease, particularly those requiring bypass grafts in the lower extremities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to peripheral artery disease or those who do not require surgical intervention for their vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the performance of bypass grafts used in lower extremity surgeries, particularly those that cross the knee joint. It investigates the mechanical properties of the femoropopliteal artery and how these properties change with age, leading to complications in graft performance. The researchers aim to engineer bypass grafts that mimic the natural longitudinal pre-stretch of healthy arteries, potentially improving their function and longevity. By developing specialized graft materials, the study seeks to address the high failure rates currently seen in these surgical procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and durable bypass grafts, significantly improving outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in graft technology, this specific approach of engineering grafts to mimic natural arterial properties is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maleckis, Kaspars — University of Nebraska Omaha
- Study coordinator: Maleckis, Kaspars
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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.