Clearer Ultrasound Scans for Babies in the Womb
Coherence-Based Fetal Ultrasonic Imaging
This research is developing new ultrasound technology to create much clearer images of babies during pregnancy, especially when current methods struggle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11014044 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current ultrasound methods sometimes make it hard to see important details of a baby's development during pregnancy, particularly for certain patients. This project is creating a new type of ultrasound technology that uses a different way of forming images, called coherence imaging. Early tests have shown that this new approach produces much clearer pictures, especially in situations where standard ultrasounds are unclear. The goal is to make it easier for doctors to see key structures in the first and second trimesters, helping to monitor the baby's health more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant individuals in their first or second trimester, especially those for whom standard ultrasound scans are currently unclear, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or are beyond their second trimester would not directly benefit from this specific fetal imaging improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new ultrasound technology could provide clearer images for pregnant individuals, leading to better monitoring of fetal health and development.
How similar studies have performed: Early tests in simulations, phantoms, and blinded clinical studies have shown improved image quality with this new coherence imaging method.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trahey, Gregg E. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Trahey, Gregg E.
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.