Stretchy, instantly sticky lung patches to stop air leaks after lung surgery
Novel innovative ultra-elastic and instantly adhesive hydrogel patches to prevent air leak after lung surgery
A stretchy, instantly sticky lung patch that aims to stop air leaks in people recovering from lung surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing ultra-elastic hydrogel patches that stick immediately to the lung surface and stretch with breathing. In rat tests, they sealed holes by applying clotting proteins (fibrinogen and thrombin) on opposite sides of the patch so the clot closes leaks and the patch stays in place. The patches can carry medicines on both sides and could be placed over staple lines or injured lung areas during surgery. This grant supports refining the patch design and preclinical testing to move toward possible human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People having lung surgery such as lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection who are at risk for postoperative air leak.
Not a fit: People who are not undergoing lung surgery or whose air leaks come from deep internal lung problems not reachable by a surface patch may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the patches could prevent air leaks, reduce chest tube use and hospital stays, lower complications, and improve recovery after lung surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Some surgical sealants are already used clinically, but this ultra-elastic, adhesive hydrogel approach is new and so far has only shown success in animal studies.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egan, Thomas M. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Egan, Thomas M.
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.