Ultrasound-activated implants to restore blood flow in severe leg ischemia
Official title: Angiogenic growth factor delivery for vascular regeneration in critical limb ischemia using acoustically-responsive scaffolds
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11241145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | December 15, 2017 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $725,477 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL139656-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11241145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with critical limb ischemia or severe peripheral artery disease who have poor blood flow and are seeking alternatives to bypass surgery or amputation.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New gene therapy to improve blood flow and prevent limb amputation in patients with severe artery blockage
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Investigating the role of a specific microRNA in improving blood flow in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia
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Investigating treatment outcomes for patients with critical limb ischemia and end-stage renal disease
This study is looking at the best treatment options for people with critical limb ischemia who also have severe kidney disease, to help doctors and patients make better choices about care and improve health outcomes.
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New gene therapy to save limbs from severe blood flow issues
This study is testing a new gene therapy to help people with critical limb ischemia, a serious condition that causes poor blood flow to the legs, by encouraging the growth of new blood vessels to improve healing and reduce pain.
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Understanding how diabetes affects blood vessel fat metabolism to reduce surgical complications
This study is looking at how diabetes affects blood flow and can lead to serious problems like amputations, and it will test if a medication called Fenofibrate, which helps lower fat levels in the blood, can help reduce the risk of these complications for people with diabetes.
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Exploring pain management and psychological factors in critical limb ischemia
This study is looking at how different ways to manage pain and mental health support can help people with critical limb ischemia (CLI) feel better and improve their quality of life.
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.