Advanced Imaging for Skin Graft Procedures

Dynamic OCE with acoustic micro-tapping for in vivo monitoring of skin graft surgeries

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11066528

This project aims to create a new, gentle imaging tool to help doctors better understand and monitor skin grafts during and after surgery.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11066528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project focuses on developing a non-contact, non-invasive imaging tool called Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE) that uses acoustic micro-tapping. This tool will create detailed 3D maps of skin's elasticity, which is important because complications with skin grafts often relate to how elastic the skin is. By precisely measuring these properties, doctors hope to improve the success of skin grafts, especially for procedures on visible areas like the face or neck. This new method could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing various types of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. The technology aims to provide real-time, sub-millimeter resolution mapping of skin elasticity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients undergoing full-thickness skin graft procedures for plastic surgery, burn surgery, oncologic surgery, or dermatology could potentially benefit from this technology.

Not a fit: Patients not undergoing skin graft procedures or those with conditions unrelated to skin elasticity measurements would not directly benefit from this specific tool.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could lead to fewer complications, better healing, and improved cosmetic results for patients receiving skin grafts.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, as there are currently no clinical tools that can quantitatively map skin's elasticity and anisotropy in living tissue.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.