Which brain aneurysms are likely to grow or burst
Official title: Role of mechanical heterogeneity in cerebral aneurysm growth and rupture
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11247598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether differences in artery wall strength and blood flow can point to which people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of rupture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $491,601 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126762-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with cerebral (brain) aneurysms, especially those with unruptured aneurysms under clinical monitoring, would be the ideal candidates for related clinical participation.
✕Less likely to help
People without brain aneurysms or those whose aneurysms have already been clipped or coiled surgically are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is combining computer models of blood flow with what is known about how artery walls fail to look for weak or different spots in aneurysms. They will incorporate variations in tissue mechanics—called mechanical heterogeneity—into models that link blood flow patterns to wall behavior. The goal is to find markers that separate stable aneurysms from those more likely to grow or burst. If successful, the work would make predictions more accurate than current shape- or flow-based models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors decide which aneurysms need treatment and which can be safely monitored, reducing unnecessary procedures and preventing ruptures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous computer models using aneurysm shape and blood flow have had limited clinical accuracy, and adding mechanical heterogeneity is a newer approach that aims to improve predictions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alford, Patrick W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Alford, Patrick W
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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.