Minimally invasive pump and dual‑lumen cannula to help blood flow in failing Fontan circulation
Development of a Percutaneous Double Lumen Cannula-Based Cavopulmonary Assist System Toward Clinical Application
A new percutaneous dual‑lumen tube and external pump designed to help people with a failing Fontan (single‑ventricle) circulation get better blood flow to their lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a very thin two‑lumen tube with paired umbrella membranes that can be placed through a vein and connected to a small external pump to support blood flow through the cavopulmonary pathway. The team uses computer fluid models, lab blood‑compatibility tests, and animal studies to make the device less likely to cause clots or damage blood cells. They are checking how the device fits patient‑specific Fontan anatomies using imaging so placement is smooth and reliable. If preclinical results remain positive, the device would move toward early human testing at specialized centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with a single‑ventricle Fontan circulation experiencing cavopulmonary failure (CPF) who are anatomically suitable for a percutaneous cannula and stable enough for device support.
Not a fit: Patients with active infection, severe coagulopathy, unsuitable venous anatomy, or those whose primary problem is ventricular failure rather than cavopulmonary failure may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could offer a minimally invasive, ambulatory option to restore cavopulmonary flow and improve symptoms and organ function in patients with failing Fontan circulation.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel—no cavopulmonary assist devices are approved—but the team reported reversing CPF physiology and supporting sheep for 96 hours with this system in preclinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Dongfang — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Wang, Dongfang
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.