Improving vein graft success after heart bypass surgery
Computational model-driven design to mitigate vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass
This project uses computer models to design better ways to prevent vein grafts from failing after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a common procedure for severe heart disease, often using vein grafts from your leg. Unfortunately, these vein grafts can narrow or block over time, leading to serious health problems. Our team is creating advanced computer models to understand why these grafts fail and to design new solutions. We are exploring how an external, temporary sheath around the graft might protect it and help it heal better. The goal is to develop new strategies that could significantly improve the long-term success of bypass surgery for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients who have undergone or may need coronary artery bypass graft surgery using saphenous vein grafts.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have coronary artery disease or who are not candidates for bypass surgery would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent vein graft failure, improving long-term outcomes and reducing complications for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While computational models have shown promise in understanding blood flow and vessel mechanics, the specific approach of using a computational growth and remodeling framework to design a preventative sheath for vein grafts is a novel and untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsden, Alison L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Marsden, Alison L
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.