Acoustic beacon needle to make IV placement easier and safer
5T-IV: photoacoustic needle with beacon pulse for ultrasound guided vascular access with Tool-Tip Tracking and Tissue Typing
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11341537
This project makes a needle that sends sound signals so ultrasound can find and track the needle tip and tell what tissue it's in, helping people who need IVs or arterial lines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11341537 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are building a disposable needle with a tiny photoacoustic beacon that sends clear pulses ultrasound machines can pick up so the needle tip is visible in real time. The system combines tool-tip tracking with algorithms that try to tell whether the needle is in a vein, artery, or other tissue. The design is meant to be low-cost, easy to use with different ultrasound brands, and help reduce missed attempts and early failures. Early testing will include bench models and animal studies before the team moves toward clinical testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be patients needing peripheral IVs, central venous catheters, or arterial lines, especially those with difficult or hard-to-find veins.
Not a fit: People who do not need vascular access or who routinely get easy, one-attempt IV placements may not see direct benefits from this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase first-attempt IV success, lower painful repeat insertions and complications, and speed delivery of treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Ultrasound guidance has already improved vascular access success, and active beacon tracking is a newer, promising device approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOCTOR, EMAD M — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BOCTOR, EMAD M
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.