A new ultrasound technique to measure blood flow in patients with leg artery disease
Official title: A Contrast-free Ultrasound-based Quantitative Angio Flow Imaging Technique to Assess Peripheral Arterial Disease of Lower Limb
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10941852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, safe way to use ultrasound to check blood flow in the legs of people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), helping doctors understand how well blood is moving in smaller vessels and potentially leading to better care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $691,708 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, particularly those experiencing symptoms like claudication or exercise intolerance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without peripheral arterial disease or those with advanced stages of the disease requiring surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel ultrasound-based method to assess blood flow in the lower limbs of patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The approach focuses on evaluating microcirculation, which is often overlooked in traditional assessments that mainly look for blockages in larger arteries. By using a contrast-free technique, the study aims to provide a safe and non-invasive way to measure blood flow responses to various stimuli, such as exercise. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of PAD, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic techniques for peripheral arterial disease, enabling better treatment strategies and potentially reducing the risk of severe complications like amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound techniques for vascular assessments, indicating that this approach may build on established methods rather than being entirely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alizad, Azra — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Alizad, Azra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Contrast-free ultrasound to measure tiny blood flow in legs to help PAD
A noninvasive ultrasound approach uses new metrics to quantify microvascular blood flow in the lower leg to aid in diagnosing and managing peripheral arterial disease.
-
Contrast-free ultrasound to measure blood flow in the lower leg
A new dye-free ultrasound method will measure tiny blood flow changes in the calf muscles of people with peripheral artery disease.
-
Developing a wearable ultrasound device to treat peripheral arterial disease
This study is testing a special wearable ultrasound device that helps improve blood flow for people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), making it easier and more convenient for patients to get treatment and potentially avoid serious complications.
-
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.
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.