Improving blood flow and oxygenation assessment in mastectomy skin flaps
Official title: Perioperative Diffuse Optical Imaging of Tissue Blood Flow and Oxygenation for Optimization of Mastectomy Skin Flap Viability
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10746442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique that helps doctors see blood flow and oxygen levels in the skin during breast reconstruction surgery, aiming to make the surgery safer and improve recovery for women after mastectomy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $480,597 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB028792-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction due to breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing mastectomy or those with contraindications for breast reconstruction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the viability of skin flaps used in breast reconstruction after mastectomy by developing a new imaging technique. The innovative near-infrared speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) allows for noninvasive and continuous imaging of blood flow and oxygen levels in tissue. By providing surgeons with real-time data during surgery, the goal is to prevent complications such as skin flap necrosis, which can lead to poor outcomes and increased patient distress. This approach aims to optimize surgical techniques and improve overall patient recovery and satisfaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications associated with breast reconstruction, leading to better aesthetic outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques for assessing tissue viability, but this specific approach with scDCT is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Guoqiang — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Yu, Guoqiang
Related research
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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.