Personalized blood‑flow modeling for newborns with a small left heart

Personalized Computational Modeling for Predicting Hemodynamics in Borderline Left Ventricles

NIH-funded research Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11163478

This project uses individualized computer models of heart blood flow to help doctors choose the best surgical path for newborns with a borderline left ventricle.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11163478 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This work creates computer models from each baby's heart images to simulate blood flow and pressures. The team will use those simulations to compare outcomes of keeping two working ventricles versus using a single‑ventricle approach. The methods combine imaging, physics‑based modeling, and advanced statistical techniques to make predictions tailored to each infant. Results aim to give families clearer information when deciding timing and type of surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Newborns and young infants diagnosed with a borderline left ventricle who are being considered for biventricular repair or single‑ventricle palliation are the intended candidates.

Not a fit: Infants whose left heart is clearly normal or clearly too small for a two‑ventricle repair (classic hypoplastic left heart) or unrelated adult patients are unlikely to benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the models could lower surgical risk and improve long‑term outcomes by guiding selection of the surgical approach that best fits each infant's heart.

How similar studies have performed: Personalized hemodynamic modeling has shown promise in small research series, but applying it specifically to guide the BiVR versus SVP decision is relatively new and still experimental.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.