Creating models to simulate blood flow in the brain

Optical Phantoms Mimicking Microvascular Cerebral Blood Flow (Supplement)

NIH-funded research Kennesaw State University · NIH-11160251

This study is creating special models that imitate how blood flows in the brains of children with sickle cell disease, so researchers can improve a tool that measures blood flow and help doctors better understand and screen for stroke risks in young patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKennesaw State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kennesaw, United States)
Project IDNIH-11160251 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced optical phantoms that mimic the microvascular blood flow in the brain, particularly for children with conditions like sickle cell disease. By constructing multilayered microfluidic models, the researchers aim to replicate the complex features of cerebral blood flow, including varying thicknesses and flow rates. These models will be used to test and improve an optical flowmeter designed for clinical applications, ensuring accurate measurements of blood flow in real patients. The project seeks to enhance the understanding of cerebrovascular circulation and improve diagnostic tools for stroke risk screening in children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, especially those diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those without cerebrovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for assessing stroke risk in children, particularly those with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using optical phantoms for blood flow studies, but this specific approach is innovative and aims to address limitations of existing models.

Where this research is happening

Kennesaw, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.