Creating a device to use focused ultrasound for pain relief without injections
Official title: Development of A Focused Ultrasound Device for Noninvasive, Peripheral Nerve Blockade to Manage Acute Pain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10740796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, noninvasive device that uses focused ultrasound to help block pain signals for people dealing with moderate to severe acute pain, offering a safer alternative to traditional pain relief methods like opioids and injections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,505,537 |
| NIH project number | 1R18EB035005-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing moderate to severe acute pain who are seeking alternatives to traditional pain management methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions or those who do not experience acute pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a noninvasive device that uses focused ultrasound to block pain signals in peripheral nerves, offering a new way to manage acute pain. Traditional methods, such as opioid medications and invasive nerve blocks, often fall short and can lead to serious side effects or complications. By utilizing focused ultrasound, this approach aims to provide effective pain relief without the risks associated with opioids or injections. Patients experiencing moderate to severe acute pain may benefit from this innovative technology, which seeks to improve their quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective method for managing acute pain, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous investigations have shown promise for focused ultrasound in managing acute pain, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Thomas a. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Thomas a.
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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.