Advanced Brain Blood Flow Imaging
High Sensitivity Diffuse Optical Tomography of Human Brain Funciton
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11003342
This project is creating a new way to see blood flow in the human brain in real-time, especially for people in critical care.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11003342 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are developing a new imaging method called speckle contrast optical tomography (SCOT) to create real-time maps of blood flow in the brain. This technology aims to provide immediate information at the patient's bedside, which is crucial for conditions like acute stroke or traumatic brain injury. By seeing how blood moves in the brain, doctors can quickly identify areas that might not be getting enough oxygen. This could help prevent brain damage and improve care for critically ill patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients experiencing conditions that affect brain blood flow, such as acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, or complications in preterm infants.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions affecting cerebral blood flow or those not in neuro-critical care would not directly benefit from this specific imaging development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could allow doctors to quickly detect and respond to changes in brain blood flow, potentially preventing serious brain injury in critical care patients.
How similar studies have performed: While current methods like PET and MRI provide snapshots, related optical techniques and laser speckle methods have shown considerable advances in measuring brain blood flow and hemoglobin changes.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CULVER, JOSEPH P — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CULVER, JOSEPH P
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.