Analyzing 3D heart images to improve understanding of heart function
Official title: Secondary Analysis of 3D Echo Images of the Right Ventricle to Compute 3D Surface Strain
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11040903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to check how well the right side of the heart is working in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension by using advanced 3D heart images, which could help catch problems earlier and give better information about their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL177693-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension who undergo echocardiographic evaluations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension or those who do not undergo echocardiographic assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by utilizing advanced three-dimensional echocardiography. By analyzing 3D images of the heart, the study aims to compute 3D surface strain values that provide a more comprehensive view of heart contractions compared to traditional 2D methods. This approach could lead to earlier detection of heart dysfunction and better prognostic information for patients. The research will involve secondary analysis of existing echocardiographic data to validate the effectiveness of this new methodology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic techniques for heart dysfunction, potentially enhancing patient outcomes in those with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cardiac assessment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunter, Kendall Stephen — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Hunter, Kendall Stephen
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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.