Creating a new way to diagnose upper airway obstruction using advanced imaging techniques.
Official title: Development of a Novel Diagnostic Modality for Upper Airway Obstruction via Integrating Dynamic Computed Tomography with Computational Fluid Dynamics
Funded at Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) · NIH-10887792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to better diagnose breathing problems caused by upper airway obstruction, especially for people with Robin Sequence, by using advanced imaging techniques to see how their airways change while they breathe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $250,931 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033120-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and children diagnosed with Robin Sequence or other conditions leading to upper airway obstruction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with upper airway obstruction not related to anatomical or dynamic issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the diagnosis of upper airway obstruction (UAO) by developing a novel diagnostic method that combines dynamic computed tomography with computational fluid dynamics. The approach focuses on creating patient-specific metrics that quantify the severity of UAO, particularly in patients with Robin Sequence, a condition that can lead to serious breathing difficulties. By capturing the dynamic changes in the upper airway during the respiratory cycle, this research seeks to provide more accurate and timely information for clinical decision-making. The goal is to enhance the understanding of airway dynamics and improve treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients with upper airway obstruction.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of dynamic imaging and computational modeling is a novel approach, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of respiratory diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, John Patrick — Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
- Study coordinator: Dahl, John Patrick
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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.