Creating a 3D model of children's upper airway shapes
Official title: A Pediatric Atlas of Upper Airway Shape
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11303931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a detailed 3D map of children's airways to help doctors better understand and treat breathing problems, making it easier to decide on the best care for kids with conditions like subglottic stenosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $109,869 |
| NIH project number | 7R21HL172230-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11303931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children experiencing breathing difficulties or diagnosed with airway abnormalities such as subglottic stenosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without airway abnormalities or those who do not require surgical or medical intervention for their airway conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a Pediatric Airway Shape Atlas that will provide a comprehensive 3D model of upper airway shapes in children. By analyzing a large database of 3D CT images, the study seeks to establish normative measures for airway geometry, which can help clinicians better understand and treat airway abnormalities. The methodology will allow for a more precise assessment of conditions like subglottic stenosis, leading to improved treatment decisions based on quantitative data rather than subjective clinician preference.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for children with airway abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully developed normative measures for airway geometry, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niethammer, Marc — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Niethammer, Marc
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.