New personalized flow models to better diagnose fetal coarctation of the aorta
Official title: A Novel Flow Modeling Paradigm for Hemodynamics in Fetal Aorta and Its Application to the Diagnosis of Fetal Coarctation of the Aorta
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11368109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, patient-friendly technique using personalized fetal heart flow models to improve diagnosis of CoA before birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $759,243 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173536-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant families and fetuses undergoing prenatal assessment for potential coarctation of the aorta where fetal imaging is used.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnancies without fetal CoA and without related imaging findings may not benefit from this modeling approach.
What this research studies
This project will create patient-specific computer models of blood flow in fetal arteries to capture high‑fidelity hemodynamics that current imaging misses. By leveraging a large cohort of pregnancies with and without CoA, the researchers will develop novel flow metrics that could improve prenatal diagnosis and guidance for treatment planning. The work combines advanced simulations with clinical data to better understand how fetal blood flow relates to CoA risk, aiming to reduce diagnostic errors and improve outcomes. Results could lead to earlier, more accurate detection and better-informed decisions for families and clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate prenatal diagnosis of fetal CoA, improving planning for delivery and early treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with personalized flow modeling has changed diagnosis and prognosis in adult heart disease; fetal-specific models are an emerging area with promising potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan
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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.