An innovative, long-lasting stent for children with narrowed aortas

Andrés García

IQS School Of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain

Paediatric aortic coarctation is a heart condition that affects children from birth. It is caused by a narrowing during fetus development of the main artery of the body, called the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This causes serious health problems. If left untreated, patients with this condition often have a short life expectancy, usually not living past their mid-thirties. The main complications can include high blood pressure, heart failure, infections, ruptures of the artery, and bleeding in the brain.

Surgeons use open surgery, balloons, and metal tubular meshes called stents to widen the narrow part of the artery. While these treatments can help for a while, they are at risk of causing new narrowing of the artery as the child grows. Many children need repeated treatments, which can be difficult and risky. Permanent stents create additional problems because as children grow, their arteries change, but the metal does not, so more surgeries are often required.

To address these problems, this project has designed a new and advanced stent especially for children. This stent is made from a special material that can be absorbed by the body over time and can adapt as the child grows. Unlike current treatments, this new stent not only supports the artery but also helps the artery heal and develop naturally, which may reduce the need for more surgeries.

The main goal is to test this new stent in animal models and ensure it is safe and effective. At the same time, the inventors will protect the rights to this technology and prepare a business plan to help bring it to patients. This new stent could transform how children with this heart condition are treated, offering them a safer and healthier future.

4D bioresorbable stent: a lifelong solution for pediatric aortic coarctation

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