4D Right-Heart Virtual Catheter for rapid, noninvasive PAH diagnosis and prognosis
Official title: 4D virtual Catheter (4D vCath) for multi-factorial hemodynamics in pulmonary hypertension
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11370694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 4D Flow MRI-based tool aims to quickly give doctors a full, noninvasive look at heart pressures and blood flow to diagnose and guide treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,619 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169780-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with suspected or diagnosed pulmonary hypertension who would benefit from noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic assessment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without pulmonary hypertension or those unable to safely undergo MRI procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
Pulmonary hypertension is a dangerous condition where early, accurate diagnosis matters. This project uses a single 4D Flow MRI scan to build a digital “virtual catheter” that analyzes heart-wide blood flow and pressures in under two minutes. The team combines advanced math and fluid dynamics to deliver a personalized hemodynamic profile of the right heart, helping distinguish PAH from PVH and guide prognosis. If successful, patients could receive faster, noninvasive assessments that reduce reliance on invasive catheterization and streamline care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients may benefit from faster, noninvasive diagnosis and better-informed treatment decisions for pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in 4D flow MRI and hemodynamic modeling has shown promise; this project aims to consolidate technology into a rapid clinical tool.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbaz, Mohammed — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Elbaz, Mohammed
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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.