Clearer MRI-guided heart catheter procedures for children
Improved MRI guidance of pediatric catheterization via autonomous multi-beat data synthesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11340800
Using new MRI methods that combine data across multiple heartbeats to create clearer, real-time images so children can have safer, radiation-free catheter procedures.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11340800 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses low-field MRI and MRI-safe devices together with computer-driven merging of images from multiple heartbeats to improve real-time picture quality during catheter procedures. The team will collect faster repeated MRI samples during procedures and use autonomous algorithms to synthesize higher-quality images. The approach aims to help doctors see soft tissues and catheters more clearly without X-ray fluoroscopy and its radiation. Clinical testing will show whether the method makes MRI-guided catheterization practical and safer for children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (from infants to adolescents) who need cardiac or vascular catheterization and would benefit from reduced radiation exposure or improved soft-tissue visualization are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot have MRI (for example due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) or cases requiring devices not yet MRI-safe may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more children could undergo catheter procedures guided by MRI instead of X-rays, reducing radiation exposure and improving visibility of anatomy.
How similar studies have performed: Some early human work showed MRI-guided cardiac interventions are possible, but improving real-time image quality with multi-beat synthesis is a newer, still-emerging technique.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CONTIJOCH, FRANCISCO J — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: CONTIJOCH, FRANCISCO J
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.