Investigating bleeding issues related to heart support devices
Official title: Von Willebrand Factor Hyperactivity, Angiogenesis and LVAD-Induced Bleeding
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11080772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some patients with advanced heart disease who use heart pumps (LVADs) have problems with bleeding, and it hopes to find ways to help these patients feel better and stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163549-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage heart disease who are currently using or are candidates for left ventricular assist devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have end-stage heart disease or those who are not using LVADs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with end-stage heart disease who use left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) to support their heart function. It aims to understand why some patients experience significant bleeding complications, known as acquired von Willebrand syndrome, despite advancements in LVAD technology. The study will analyze the behavior of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in these patients, particularly how high shear stress from the device affects VWF cleavage and activation. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify the underlying causes of bleeding and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of bleeding complications in patients using LVADs, ultimately improving their survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of bleeding in patients with LVADs can lead to significant improvements in patient care, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nascimbene, Angelo — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Nascimbene, Angelo
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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.