Why the tricuspid valve changes and how treatments can help
Tricuspid Valve Maladaptation: Its Stimuli, its Effect on Valve Function, and its Response to Therapy
This work looks at how the tricuspid heart valve becomes damaged in people with valve leakage and whether targeting those changes could lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11388191 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear how researchers are studying why the tricuspid valve leaflets grow and become scarred in valve leakage (tricuspid regurgitation). The team uses advanced 3‑D imaging, sheep models, tissue testing, and computer simulations to link tissue changes to valve function. They will identify the stimuli that drive maladaptation, measure how leaflet changes worsen leakage, and test ways to reduce scarring or encourage healthier leaflet growth. The aim is to find targets for therapies that could make current treatments safer and more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with functional tricuspid valve regurgitation, especially those whose valve leakage is related to right‑sided heart disease or pulmonary hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients without tricuspid regurgitation or those with unrelated heart conditions or primary structural tricuspid disease (for example congenital defects or active infection) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that prevent or reverse tricuspid valve scarring and improve outcomes for people with tricuspid regurgitation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work by the team showed leaflet growth and fibrosis, but translating therapies to patients is novel and remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rausch, Manuel Karl — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Rausch, Manuel Karl
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.