Robotic ultrasound-guided clot removal for stroke treatment
Official title: Robotic Ultrasound-Mediated Thrombectomy for First Pass Stroke Treatment
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11510958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new robot-assisted ultrasound system is being developed to help quickly reopen brain arteries during a stroke, with testing in patient-specific 3D-printed models and animal studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,554 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB039036-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11510958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion who require thrombectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-LVO strokes or contraindications to ultrasound-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a robot-delivered ultrasound therapy to safely restore blood flow in acute large vessel occlusion strokes. Researchers will test the system using 3D-printed models based on real patient anatomy and evaluate different ultrasound settings to minimize injury. The work includes preclinical testing in animals to understand safety and effectiveness before any human trials. The goal is to reduce the number of passes needed to remove clots and improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could shorten treatment times and improve recovery for stroke patients by enabling safer, more effective clot removal.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials show mechanical thrombectomy improves outcomes, but multiple passes are common; this robot-assisted ultrasound approach is a novel extension.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindsey, Brooks D — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Lindsey, Brooks D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
-
Visual recovery after stroke using focused ultrasound and immersive VR
A small, patient-friendly study tests whether a gentle, targeted ultrasound therapy plus immersive virtual reality can help people with field-of-view loss after stroke regain visual function.
-
Treating central post-stroke pain with targeted ultrasound therapy
A Duke University study is testing a non-invasive, focused ultrasound treatment to reduce pain in people who have CPSP after a stroke.
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Predictors of recovery after stroke in rural Appalachia
This project tests blood protein markers to predict cognitive recovery after a stroke treated with thrombectomy, focusing on rural Appalachian patients.
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Predicting Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes with Smart, Transparent AI
A patient-friendly look at how new AI models may predict how well mechanical thrombectomy could work for individuals with acute ischemic stroke.
-
Improving stroke treatment with a new catheter device for easier access.
This study is testing a new catheter device that helps doctors remove blood clots in the brain through the wrist instead of the groin, aiming to make the treatment for stroke patients safer and more effective.
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.