A new ultrasound scanner for imaging children's organs
Official title: Pediatric volumetric ultrasound scanner
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10876999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a special ultrasound machine that takes detailed 3D pictures of kids' livers and kidneys to help doctors quickly figure out what's causing their tummy pain, all without needing anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $536,198 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033967-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients under the age of 3 who require imaging of the liver or kidney due to abdominal pain or other medical concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of 11 or those who do not require abdominal imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a high-resolution volumetric ultrasound scanner specifically designed for pediatric patients, particularly those under 3 years old. The scanner aims to overcome limitations of traditional ultrasound imaging, such as operator dependence and limited field of view, by utilizing ultrafast imaging techniques and advanced technology for real-time 3D visualization. This innovative approach will allow for quick and accurate imaging of the liver and kidney, which is crucial for diagnosing abdominal pain in children without the need for anesthesia. The project seeks to enhance the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound imaging in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective imaging option for young children, reducing the need for anesthesia during diagnostic procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing advanced ultrasound technologies, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in pediatric imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrara, Katherine W — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ferrara, Katherine W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
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.