Brain Awareness Week
15 March 2024
Project ANGIE
During Brain Awareness Week, 11-17 March, we are focusing on the importance of research in stroke. Each day we will share some insights into new and exciting stroke research in Europe.
Today we are focusing on ANGIE, a research project funded by EU which aims to develop micro-robots for targeted drug delivery, to dissolve blood clots in acute stroke treatment.
The aim is for this to become an additional type of medical procedure to remove blood clots in ischemic strokes. In these strokes, clots obstruct the blood flow to the brain, causing severe and potentially irreversible damage. Delivering drugs targeted to the location where they are needed could significantly reduce the risk of systemic, long-term damage, while swiftly dissolving these blockages and restoring blood flow.
As part of the project, the research team developed 3D-printed re-constructions of their patient’s brain vessels based on MRI scans to ensure that the ANGIE drug delivery operated under realistic conditions. The 3D modelling technology means that the models can accurately replicate the brain’s intricate vascular system and simulate real blood flow conditions.
The recognition of this accuracy of their brain 3D models in the medical community means that they are now being made available for educational purposes, providing a realistic and safe environment for doctors treating stroke to hone their skills and facilitating earlier and more extensive training.
Ultimately, this advancement means more patients could have access to more lifesaving procedures and go on to improve stroke treatment outcomes.
For more information, please contact research@safestroke.eu or visit the ANGIE website www.h2020-angie.eu
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 952152.
