Ultrasound-activated implants to restore blood flow in severe leg ischemia
Angiogenic growth factor delivery for vascular regeneration in critical limb ischemia using acoustically-responsive scaffolds
This project develops ultrasound-triggered implants that release blood-vessel–growing proteins to help people with critical limb ischemia regain circulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work targets critical limb ischemia and aims to rebuild blood vessels using an implanted gel that holds pro-angiogenic proteins. The implant, called an acoustically-responsive scaffold (ARS), contains tiny ultrasound-sensitive droplets that keep growth factors until focused ultrasound is applied to release them on demand. Researchers are refining which growth factors, doses, timing, and spatial patterns best promote durable vessel growth using laboratory and animal models that mimic severe limb ischemia. The long-term goal is a minimally invasive, controllable therapy to improve blood flow and tissue healing in people with poor circulation in the legs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with critical limb ischemia or severe peripheral artery disease who have poor blood flow and are seeking alternatives to bypass surgery or amputation.
Not a fit: People whose leg problems are not caused by poor blood flow, those with active severe infections or immediate surgical needs, or people who cannot undergo minor implanted materials or focused ultrasound procedures may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable doctors to promote new blood vessel growth in ischemic legs on demand, potentially reducing ulcers, pain, and the need for amputation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical attempts to deliver growth factors directly have largely been disappointing, but preclinical work with ultrasound-responsive scaffolds from this team has shown promising, controllable release and vessel growth in animal models.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fabiilli, Mario Leonardo — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fabiilli, Mario Leonardo
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.