Turbulence effects on blood in heart and lung support devices
Impact of turbulence on blood in mechanical circulatory support
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11321471
This project looks at how turbulent blood flow from heart and lung support devices causes bleeding and platelet problems in people using mechanical circulatory support.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321471 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm on a heart pump or ECMO, the team is studying how the device's blood flow damages key clotting proteins and platelets. They will examine von Willebrand factor and platelet behavior using lab assays, device flow models, and patient blood samples when available. The researchers aim to link specific turbulent flow patterns to loss of VWF multimers, platelet activation, and low platelet counts, including work that involves pediatric patients. Results may point to device design changes or new treatments to lower bleeding risks for people on support devices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people (including children) receiving ventricular assist devices or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), especially those with bleeding, low platelets, or suspected acquired von Willebrand syndrome.
Not a fit: People not using mechanical circulatory support or whose bleeding is due to inherited disorders unrelated to device flow may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer device designs or new ways to prevent bleeding in people on mechanical circulatory support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies showed that high shear can damage von Willebrand factor and cause bleeding, while focusing specifically on turbulence as a key driver is a newer finding from this group.
Where this research is happening
FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY — FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIPPER, MATTHEW — COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIPPER, MATTHEW
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.
Conditions: Acquired Von Willebrand syndrome, Acquired von Willebrand disease