Contrast-free ultrasound to measure tiny blood flow in legs to help PAD
Official title: A Contrast-free Ultrasound-based Quantitative Angio Flow Imaging Technique to Assess Peripheral Arterial Disease of Lower Limb
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11411380 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive ultrasound approach uses new metrics to quantify microvascular blood flow in the lower leg to aid in diagnosing and managing peripheral arterial disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $716,321 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174785-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411380 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with suspected or diagnosed peripheral arterial disease or related lower-limb vascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PAD or related microvascular problems may not benefit from this imaging approach.
What this research studies
This project from Mayo Clinic Rochester focuses on a safe, inexpensive ultrasound method that doesn’t use contrast to measure how small blood vessels in the calf respond to pressure changes and light exercise. By applying advanced signal processing, the team aims to quantify microvascular flow and endothelial function, which may reveal early disease changes not captured by standard large-artery assessments. If successful, the technique could complement existing tests and help tailor treatment for people with PAD. The study may pave the way for earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of disease progression through easy-to-use imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier and more precise information about their PAD status using a quick, noninvasive test.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for microvascular imaging improvements, but this specific contrast-free, pressure-based method with novel metrics is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alizad, Azra — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Alizad, Azra
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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.