A virtual catheter tool for pulmonary hypertension using advanced MRI
4D virtual Catheter (4D vCath) for multi-factorial hemodynamics in pulmonary hypertension
This project is creating a new, non-invasive way to quickly and accurately diagnose and understand pulmonary hypertension using a special type of MRI.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143130 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious heart and lung condition that is currently difficult and slow to diagnose, often requiring invasive procedures. Our team is developing a '4D Right-Heart Virtual Catheter' (vCath) that uses a single, advanced 4D Flow MRI scan to gather comprehensive information about the heart's function. This innovative tool combines mathematical modeling with MRI data to create a personalized digital assessment. It aims to provide a full set of diagnostic and prognostic details for all right heart chambers in just a couple of minutes, without the need for invasive tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients suspected of having pulmonary hypertension, particularly those needing a clearer diagnosis between different subtypes like Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Venous Hypertension (PVH).
Not a fit: Patients who do not have or are not suspected of having pulmonary hypertension would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could significantly speed up the diagnosis and classification of pulmonary hypertension, allowing patients to receive earlier and more appropriate treatment without invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While 4D Flow MRI is an established imaging technique, the development of a comprehensive 'virtual catheter' for streamlined, multi-factorial hemodynamic analysis in pulmonary hypertension is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbaz, Mohammed — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Elbaz, Mohammed
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 below.