Improving treatment for newborns with congenital heart defects using a specialized stent

Commercialization Readiness for Ductus Arteriosus Stent to Improve Congenital Heart Defect Mortality

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STARLIGHT CARDIOVASCULAR, INC. · NIH-11006856

This study is working on a special stent for newborns with heart defects that need a crucial blood vessel to stay open, aiming to make it safer and more effective than the adult stents currently used, which can cause problems and extra surgeries.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTARLIGHT CARDIOVASCULAR, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11006856 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a stent specifically designed for the ductus arteriosus, a vital blood vessel in newborns that must remain open in certain congenital heart defects. Currently, pediatric cardiologists use adult stents, which can lead to high rates of complications and reinterventions. The new stent aims to provide a better fit and functionality for infants, potentially reducing the need for additional surgeries and improving survival rates. The project involves designing, testing, and preparing the stent for commercialization to ensure it meets the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with congenital heart defects that necessitate the ductus arteriosus to remain open.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have congenital heart defects or are older than newborns will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of complications and mortality in newborns with congenital heart defects requiring ductus arteriosus patency.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of creating a specialized stent for this purpose is novel, similar innovations in pediatric cardiology have shown promise in improving outcomes for congenital heart defects.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.