When patients undergo procedures to open blocked heart arteries, precision matters. Even small imperfections in placing a stent can affect blood flow and long-term health. Now, a research team led by F. Levent Degertekin, Regents’ Entrepreneur, George W. Woodruff Chair in Mechanical Systems, and professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, is working to change that with a new kind of catheter designed to give doctors clearer, real-time insight during these life-saving procedures.

Backed by a four-year, $2.2 million National Institutes of Health Research Project (R01) grant, the project aims to develop a microcatheter that combines high-resolution imaging with precise pressure sensing in a single device.