Investigating skin damage related to implants and its effects
Official title: Damage Modeling and Vascular Imaging Correlation with Implant Induced Skin Necrosis
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11041085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin damage happens around implants used in facial surgeries, aiming to find better ways to prevent complications like infections and the need for more surgeries, so patients can have better healing and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,826 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing facial or craniofacial reconstruction involving implants, particularly those at risk for skin complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have implants or are not undergoing related surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding skin necrosis that occurs over implants used in facial and craniofacial reconstructions. It aims to quantify the vascular compromise and skin damage caused by high stress and compression, which can lead to severe complications such as infections and the need for additional surgeries. By employing advanced techniques like finite element modeling, photoacoustic tomography, and ultrasound elastography, the study seeks to correlate these measurements with actual skin damage in patients. The ultimate goal is to develop better methods to prevent skin dehiscence and improve outcomes for patients with implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques and materials that reduce the risk of skin necrosis and enhance recovery for patients with implants.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using finite element modeling and imaging techniques is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding tissue responses to implants.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollister, Scott J — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hollister, Scott J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrative AI tools to map protein sequences to structures and functions
A scientist team will develop advanced AI methods to better connect protein sequences, their 3D shapes, and how they work, using large biological data from sequencing and structures.
-
Robotic ultrasound-guided clot removal for stroke treatment
A new robot-assisted ultrasound system is being developed to help quickly reopen brain arteries during a stroke, with testing in patient-specific 3D-printed models and animal studies.
-
siRNA nanoparticle treatment to stop diabetic kidney damage
A new nanoparticle-delivered gene-silencing treatment aims to lower kidney inflammation in people with diabetes to help protect their kidneys.
-
Nanosensor blood test to spot early pancreatic cancer fingerprints
This project will use a nanosensor blood test to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer by reading a disease 'fingerprint' in patient serum.
-
Synergistic blood-brain barrier opening and targeted glioma treatment with pulsed electric fields
A new approach uses tiny, rapid electric pulses to safely disrupt the brain's protective barrier and enhance targeted treatment for malignant glioma.
-
Dexterous needle ablation for ventricular arrhythmia guided by MRI
A new MRI-guided, robot-assisted catheter delivers deeper heart tissue ablation to treat ventricular tachycardia.
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.