A new system to help doctors perform lumbar punctures more accurately
Official title: Real-time three-dimensional spinal navigation system for bedside lumbar puncture placement
Funded at Rivanna Medical, INC. · NIH-10689113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that helps doctors do lumbar punctures more easily and safely, especially for patients who are overweight, by giving them a better view of the spine during the procedure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rivanna Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $837,818 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS120798-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10689113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients requiring lumbar punctures, especially those with a higher body mass index (BMI) who are at risk for procedural failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require lumbar punctures or those with contraindications for the procedure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a real-time, three-dimensional navigation system to assist healthcare providers in performing lumbar punctures (LPs) at the bedside. The system aims to reduce the high failure rates associated with LPs, particularly in patients with obesity, by providing enhanced visualization of the lumbar spine. By utilizing advanced ultrasound technology and algorithms, the system will help identify the correct anatomical landmarks, making the procedure safer and more efficient. This innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes by minimizing the need for fluoroscopic guidance and reducing the costs associated with failed procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to higher success rates for lumbar punctures, reducing complications and improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Similar technological advancements in medical procedures have shown promise, indicating that this approach could lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Rivanna Medical, INC.
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mauldin, Frank William — Rivanna Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mauldin, Frank William
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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.