A new sensor to monitor pressure in the brain
Official title: Ultrasound-Interrogated Implantable Sensor for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11113764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use sensor that can check brain pressure for people with hydrocephalus, helping doctors quickly spot any problems with their shunts without needing any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $131,085 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EB037171-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus who have undergone shunt implantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hydrocephalus or those who have not had a shunt implanted may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive sensor that can monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. The sensor will be designed to be mounted on existing shunts, allowing for wireless monitoring using ultrasound technology. By utilizing mathematical models and simulations, the researchers aim to create a highly sensitive and reliable device that can help diagnose shunt failures without the need for invasive procedures. This innovative approach could significantly improve patient care by providing timely and accurate monitoring of brain pressure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective monitoring of intracranial pressure, reducing the need for invasive surgeries and improving outcomes for patients with hydrocephalus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing non-invasive monitoring technologies, but this specific approach using ultrasound for ICP monitoring is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shashidhara Surappa, Sushruta — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Shashidhara Surappa, Sushruta
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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.