NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A portable device for diagnosing blood vessel diseases

Official title: A portable photoacoustic imager for diagnosing vascular diseases

Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11116147 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use mobile device that can help doctors quickly check for heart and blood vessel problems without any needles or special dyes, making it a great option for patients who need reliable and affordable care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project startSeptember 17, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$263,236
NIH project number4R33EB030370-03
Project IDNIH-11116147 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for vascular diseases, such as those with cardiovascular conditions or diabetes.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-vascular related health issues or those who do not have access to the technology may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a mobile photoacoustic imager (mPAI) that can diagnose various vascular diseases such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. The device is designed to be non-invasive and cost-effective, providing real-time information about blood flow, oxygen levels, and plaque in blood vessels without the need for contrast agents. By using advanced optical techniques, the mPAI aims to improve the accuracy of vascular disease detection, especially in settings with limited resources. Patients will benefit from a more reliable and accessible diagnostic tool that can help in early detection and monitoring of vascular conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of vascular diseases, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using photoacoustic imaging for medical diagnostics, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Pennsylvania State University, the
    University Park, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kothapalli, Sri Rajasekhar — Pennsylvania State University, the
  • Study coordinator: Kothapalli, Sri Rajasekhar

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Topical HIF-1 inhibitors to treat retinal and choroidal vascular diseases

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  • A portable photoacoustic device to help diagnose vascular diseases

    A small, battery-powered imaging tool uses light and sound to help detect blood vessel problems at the point of care without harming patients.

    NIH research Pennsylvania State University, the · University Park, United States · NIH-11393173

  • Mitochondrial function and retinal blood vessel disease

    This grant explores how tiny power plants inside cells (mitochondria) influence the growth of retinal blood vessels in conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, with the goal of finding new paths to protect vision.

    NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-11384336

  • How blood vessel and immune cell metabolism shapes artery disease

    This project looks at how changes in energy use inside artery-lining cells, artery muscle cells, and immune cells affect people with atherosclerosis.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11245748

  • Handheld light-and-sound scanner for blood vessel problems

    A portable device that uses safe light-plus-ultrasound imaging to find and monitor blood vessel problems for people with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.

    NIH research Pennsylvania State University, the · University Park, United States · NIH-11182724

  • How mitochondria affect retinal blood vessel health

    This project looks at whether problems in mitochondria change how blood vessels grow in the retina, which matters to people with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or other retinal blood-vessel diseases.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11143745

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.