Imaging kidney blood vessels to better understand chronic kidney disease

Renal Microvessel Imaging for Characterization of Chronic Kidney Disease

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11023055

This study is testing a new ultrasound technology that helps doctors see and measure blood flow in the small blood vessels of the kidneys, which could help them better understand and manage chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023055 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new imaging technology called super-resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUI) to visualize and measure the blood flow in the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys. By accurately characterizing the renal microvessels, the study aims to provide a noninvasive tool for staging chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is crucial for effective management. The research will involve technical development, animal validations, and clinical studies with healthy volunteers to establish normal parameters. Ultimately, this approach seeks to enhance the understanding of kidney health and disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or those at risk for developing CKD.

Not a fit: Patients with acute kidney injury or those who do not have chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for kidney assessment, but this specific approach using SRUI is novel.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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 2026-06-13 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.