Dual-frequency ultrasound for detailed microvascular imaging
Duplex dual-frequency CMUT array for acoustic angiography
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · NIH-11291882
A new dual-frequency ultrasound device is being built to create clearer images of tiny blood vessels for people with conditions like cancer, dementia, or stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291882 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The project is developing a novel ultrasound transducer that stacks low-frequency transmit elements over high-frequency receive elements to better detect microbubble signals. The team plans to use contrast-enhanced ultrasound techniques to produce high-contrast, high-resolution images of the microvasculature without CT or MRI. Early validation will involve bench testing and animal models to confirm performance and safety before any human imaging. The goal is to adapt the device for clinical use to reveal vascular changes linked to diseases such as cancer and dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with conditions tied to microvascular changes—such as certain cancers, dementia, or recent stroke—or volunteers willing to join imaging studies at the research site.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to microvascular disease, those who cannot receive ultrasound contrast, or those needing immediate therapeutic interventions are unlikely to benefit directly from this development-stage project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier, less expensive, and more accessible detection of small blood-vessel changes that signal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related methods like acoustic angiography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound have shown promising results imaging microvessels, but this stacked dual-frequency CMUT approach is novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
RALEIGH, UNITED STATES
- NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH — RALEIGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ORALKAN, OMER — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- Study coordinator: ORALKAN, OMER
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 below.