Better Ultrasound for Children
Pediatric volumetric ultrasound scanner
This project is creating an advanced ultrasound machine to get clearer, more detailed images of organs like the liver and kidneys in young children, especially those under three.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140981 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current ultrasound methods can be tricky, often depending on the person doing the scan and sometimes missing details. This new technology aims to make ultrasound scans much clearer and easier to perform, providing a full 3D view of organs. It's designed to take very fast, high-resolution images, which is especially helpful for children who might need anesthesia for other imaging methods like MRI or CT scans. The goal is to quickly see tiny blood vessels and pinpoint the exact location of any issues, which could help doctors understand causes of abdominal pain in children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This technology is being developed for pediatric patients, particularly children under 3 years old who may need detailed imaging of their abdomen.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require abdominal imaging or are outside the pediatric age range may not directly benefit from this specific scanner development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new scanner could provide safer, faster, and more accurate imaging for pediatric patients, potentially reducing the need for anesthesia during diagnostic procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While conventional ultrasound is widely used, this project introduces novel extended aperture and ultrafast acquisition approaches for volumetric imaging, representing a significant technological leap.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrara, Katherine W — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ferrara, Katherine W
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.