A new type of endoscope for detailed imaging during surgery
Official title: Low-voltage liquid lens enabled endoscopic optical coherence tomography
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11120030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a tiny camera that can take clear pictures of tissues during surgeries to help doctors better understand and treat illnesses like heart disease and cancer, and they’ll first test it on models before using it with real patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,168 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB037238-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing surgical procedures for cardiovascular diseases or cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not have conditions related to cardiovascular diseases or cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a miniature endoscopic system that uses advanced imaging technology to provide real-time insights into various human illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The approach involves creating a non-mechanical scanning device that can capture high-resolution images of tissues during surgical procedures. By utilizing a low-voltage electrowetting prism scanner, the team aims to overcome the limitations of traditional imaging systems, which often rely on bulky mechanical components. The endoscope will be tested on phantom tissues to validate its effectiveness before potential application in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive imaging techniques during surgeries, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging technologies for surgical applications, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gopinath, Juliet — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Gopinath, Juliet
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.