Modeling how medical devices affect blood platelets and bleeding risks
Official title: Computational Modeling of Device-Induced Platelet Activation and Receptor Shedding Relevant to Thrombosis and Bleeding in Device-Assisted Circulation
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10986121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain medical devices that come into contact with your blood can affect platelets, which are important for clotting, and it aims to find ways to make these devices safer for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $461,563 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162940-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require blood-contacting medical devices, such as those with artificial heart ventricles or other assistive circulatory devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use blood-contacting medical devices or have conditions unrelated to thrombosis or bleeding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of blood-contacting medical devices on platelet activation and receptor shedding, which can lead to serious complications like thrombosis and bleeding. Using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, the study aims to identify areas within these devices that contribute to abnormal blood flow and platelet dysfunction. By developing a new model that accurately reflects how platelets change when activated, the research seeks to improve the design of these devices to enhance patient safety and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer medical devices that reduce the risk of life-threatening blood clots and bleeding in patients using these technologies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using computational modeling to analyze blood flow and platelet behavior has shown promise, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements in device design.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Zhongjun Jon — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wu, Zhongjun Jon
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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.