Improving imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques to prevent heart attacks
Official title: Dual frequency intravascular ultrasound for super-resolution imaging of vasa vasorum and thin fibrous cap of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11073192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technology that helps doctors see the tiny blood vessels and weak spots in heart plaques more clearly, which could lead to better and more personalized treatments for patients at risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 22, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $726,205 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178101-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease or those identified as having vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerotic disease or those who do not have risk factors for acute coronary syndromes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technology called super-resolution intravascular ultrasound (SR-IVUS) to better visualize the vasa vasorum and thin fibrous caps of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. By using a novel 1.75D array at 20 MHz, the study aims to achieve high-resolution 3D imaging that can penetrate deeper than current methods. This advancement could lead to more accurate assessments of plaque vulnerability, allowing for timely interventions to prevent acute coronary syndromes. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic capabilities and personalized treatment strategies based on their plaque characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability to identify and manage vulnerable plaques, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for assessing plaque vulnerability, but this specific approach with SR-IVUS is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Kang — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kim, Kang
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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.