Endovascular vortex ultrasound to treat blood clots in the lungs
Official title: Endovascular vortex ultrasound thrombolysis (EVUS) for treatment of pulmonary embolism
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11448155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy uses a tiny ultrasound device inside the blood vessels to rapidly dissolve clots in the lungs of people with pulmonary embolism, aiming to reduce the need for high doses of clot-busting drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $771,350 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL183056-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448155 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute pulmonary embolism who are candidates for endovascular therapy and are at risk from standard clot-busting approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bleeding disorders or those not eligible for endovascular procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test a vortex ultrasound system that can be delivered endovascularly to the pulmonary arteries. It seeks to shorten treatment time to under 30 minutes and minimize the use of tissue plasminogen activator, improving safety for patients with pulmonary embolism. The research will involve engineering, preclinical testing, and early human-focused steps to refine how the device interacts with clot and vessel walls. The ultimate goal is a faster, safer option for patients who face life-threatening clots in the lungs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with pulmonary embolism could have quicker clot dissolution with less bleeding risk and fewer invasive procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary endovascular thrombolysis approaches show promise, but this EVUS method aims for faster, safer clot dissolution with lower drug doses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Chengzhi — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Shi, Chengzhi
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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.