A device for non-invasive monitoring of brain blood flow and pressure in brain injury patients
Official title: Low-Cost High-Performance NIRS-SCOS Device for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Cerebral Blood Flow and Intracranial Pressure in Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11098715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, affordable device that can safely check blood flow and pressure in the brain for people with traumatic brain injuries, helping doctors provide better and faster care without needing any surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,973 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135081-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced severe traumatic brain injuries and require monitoring of their cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild brain injuries or those who do not require monitoring of intracranial pressure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost, high-performance device that can non-invasively monitor cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury. Currently, monitoring intracranial pressure requires invasive procedures that carry risks, especially for non-comatose patients. The new device utilizes diffuse correlation spectroscopy to provide accurate measurements without the need for surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes and access to care. By enhancing the ability to monitor brain health, this research aims to facilitate quicker and more effective treatment for those affected by severe brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accessible monitoring of brain health for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive methods for monitoring brain health, but this specific approach using diffuse correlation spectroscopy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franceschini, Maria Angela — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Franceschini, Maria Angela
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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.