Summary: UCLA researchers have developed InspiroMark, a standardized, implantable imaging marker designed to enhance the efficiency, reliability and ease of grafted vessel localization following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Background: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a common procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart. In this surgery, a healthy blood vessel (graft) is taken from another part of the body and attached to bypass a blocked artery and restore blood flow, preventing heart attacks and morbidity. After the procedure, doctors often need to check the graft using imaging techniques such as angiograms to ensure proper functionality. Currently, surgeons may place a marker around the graft to help locate it in future scans. However, existing markers are not standardized and are often loosely fitted. This limitation can cause the markers to shift over time, making it harder to find the graft during follow-up imaging. The lack of precision can result in less accurate diagnoses, longer procedures, increased exposure to radiation and contrast agents, delayed treatments, and higher healthcare costs. There is a clear unmet need for a reliable, imaging-visible marker that integrates seamlessly into current surgical workflows without adding procedural complexity. Innovation: To address these challenges, UCLA researchers created InspiroMark — a small, flexible, ring-shaped surgical marker designed to make locating grafted vessels during follow-up imaging faster, easier, and more accurate. Crafted from medical-grade silicone that stands out clearly on X-ray and CT scans, InspiroMark gently grips the vessel without impeding blood flow. Its slip-on design features microscopic, raised points (just 0.15 mm) on the inner surface, anchoring it securely in place and preventing long-term migration. The marker naturally expands and contracts with the vessel, ensuring a stable, tissue-friendly fit that avoids damage while providing consistent visibility for years to come. InspiroMark can be administered in under two minutes during surgery and accommodates a range of vessel sizes. Its low-profile shape prevents interference with other procedures, such as catheter-based follow-up interventions, and it is fully MRI-compatible. By making grafts quicker and easier to locate in future imaging, InspiroMark can reduce angiogram procedure times by up to 20 minutes, enable earlier diagnosis, improved patient outcomes, and lower hospital costs. Its unique design delivers a standardized, implantable solution for both precise localization and migration prevention, addressing a long-standing challenge in post-CABG patient care. Potential Applications: • Post-CABG graft localization during angiograms or CT angiography • Vascular marking for other bypass surgeries, organ transplants, and neurovascular or endovascular interventions • Long-term vessel monitoring through follow-up imaging • Pediatric cardiac surgery graft/shunt marking for extended follow-up • Vascular repair identification in trauma and reconstructive surgery • Adaptation for high-value veterinary cardiac or vascular procedures • Surgical training and simulation for vessel localization techniques
Advantages: • Standardized, secure design prevents migration and ensures reliable localization • Visible on X-ray, CT, and MRI without artifacts or imaging interference • Quick (<2 min) placement, integrates seamlessly into surgical workflows • Flexible, non-constrictive fit preserves vessel integrity and blood flow • Applicable across cardiac, vascular, transplant, neurovascular, trauma, and pediatric surgeries • Stable for long-term follow-up and repeated imaging • Reduces angiogram times by up to 20 min, lowering radiation and contrast use • Cost-effective by reducing repeat imaging and procedure time • Valuable for surgical training and simulation in vessel identification State of Development: A patent application has been filed, and a prototype of the device has been developed for in-vivo testing and validation. Reference: UCLA CASE No. 2025-293 Inventors: Sneha Shaha, Michael Malig, Sukhneet Dhillon