Using computer models to improve vein graft success after heart surgery
Official title: Computational model-driven design to mitigate vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10895578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help heart surgery patients by finding out how special coverings can keep vein grafts from failing after surgery, making the recovery process smoother and more successful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $679,261 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159954-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft surgery who will receive saphenous vein grafts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing CABG surgery or those who do not require vein grafts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the success of saphenous vein grafts used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. By utilizing advanced computational models, the study aims to understand the mechanical factors that lead to vein graft failure. The researchers will simulate various conditions to identify how external bioabsorbable sheaths can be used post-surgery to reduce the risk of graft failure. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more effective solution for patients undergoing CABG.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of vein graft failure, improving outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using computational models to predict and improve surgical outcomes, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsden, Alison L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Marsden, Alison L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted NAD+ Replenishment to Protect Vein Grafts After Bypass
Aims to protect vein grafts used in bypass surgery by delivering NAD+ directly to vascular cells to reduce failure from aging and injury.
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Gene therapy to protect vein grafts after bypass surgery
Testing a gene therapy meant to help veins used in bypass operations stay open longer for people with coronary or peripheral artery disease.
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Targeted gene therapy to protect prosthetic leg bypass grafts
This project uses targeted gene-silencing treatments to prevent narrowing and failure of synthetic bypass grafts in people with blocked leg arteries.
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Improving vein graft success after heart bypass surgery
This project uses computer models to design better ways to prevent vein grafts from failing after coronary artery bypass surgery.
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Gene therapies to prevent vein graft failure in heart and leg surgeries
This study is looking at a new way to help improve the success of vein grafts used in heart and leg surgeries, especially for people with coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease, by using a special gene therapy that could help keep the grafts healthy and working better for longer.
-
Understanding why transplanted hearts fail over time
This study is looking at how heart transplants can sometimes fail over time, especially when the heart muscle gets too thick, and it aims to understand the different types of cells involved in this process to help improve the health and longevity of transplanted hearts for patients.
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.