Personalized aortic grafts for inherited thoracic aneurysms
Towards Personalized Prosthetic Graft Replacement for Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
This project uses personalized graft designs and advanced 4D MRI imaging to try to lower the chance of dangerous tears downstream in people with inherited thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112506 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have an inherited thoracic aortic aneurysm, this project looks at how standard grafts can stiffen the aorta and raise the risk of tears further downstream. The team uses advanced 4D flow MRI to measure blood flow and aortic stiffness, plus computer models and lab tests to design grafts that better match your aorta. They aim to find imaging markers that predict who is most likely to develop distal problems after proximal graft surgery. Over time this could lead to graft choices and follow-up imaging tailored to protect the rest of your aorta.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysms who are considering or have already had proximal aortic graft surgery.
Not a fit: People without thoracic aortic aneurysms, those with non-genetic aneurysms unlikely to cause distal dissection, or individuals not undergoing grafting are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to graft designs and imaging checks that reduce the risk of life-threatening downstream aortic tears after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical observations and preclinical models have tied graft stiffness to downstream risk, but using 4D flow MRI to guide personalized graft design is a novel and still-emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinsaft, Jonathan W. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Weinsaft, Jonathan W.
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.