Milli-spinner thrombectomy for faster clot removal in acute brain stroke
Official title: Optimization of milli-spinner thrombectomy for enhanced clot debulking efficiency and safety
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11457969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, spinner-based clot-removal device is being studied to remove brain clots more quickly and safely in stroke patients.
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 start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | August 4, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,421,019 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB039955-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with acute ischemic stroke caused by a cervical or cerebral artery blockage who are being considered for thrombectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose clots or anatomy are not compatible with the device or who have contraindications to interventional procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has an acute ischemic stroke, this project tests a novel device that uses tiny spinning components to shrink and remove clots more effectively than current methods. Researchers will combine computer modeling, simulations, and animal tests to understand how the device works and how to optimize its performance before any human use. The goal is to improve the chances of a fast, successful clot removal with fewer passes and fewer complications. This work builds on promising early results to create a scientifically sound path toward translating a safer, faster treatment option for AIS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to faster clot removal, fewer procedure passes, and better functional outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous thrombectomy devices have improved outcomes, but a subset of patients still experience limited first-pass success; this project explores a novel mechanism that could enhance results.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Renee — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Renee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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Predictors of recovery after stroke in rural Appalachia
This project tests blood protein markers to predict cognitive recovery after a stroke treated with thrombectomy, focusing on rural Appalachian patients.
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Precise imaging to guide thrombectomy for posterior circulation strokes
A study at Stanford will test whether special brain imaging helps doctors decide which patients with rare posterior circulation strokes should get thrombectomy.
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Predicting Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes with Smart, Transparent AI
A patient-friendly look at how new AI models may predict how well mechanical thrombectomy could work for individuals with acute ischemic stroke.
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Improving treatment for severe strokes using advanced techniques
This study is looking at how well a special procedure called endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) works for people having a stroke caused by blocked blood vessels, and it aims to find out if new tools and treatments can help even more patients recover better.
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.