Improving imaging techniques to understand small blood vessel functions in stroke patients.
Official title: High-resolution High-speed Photoacoustic and Ultrasound Imaging of SmallVessel Functions in Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10684729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to take detailed pictures of small blood vessels in the brain after a stroke, to see how they work and heal in both younger and older people, with the hope of improving stroke recovery and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $456,518 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS111039-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced an ischemic stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered a stroke or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing imaging methods to better visualize and understand the functions of small blood vessels in the brain, particularly after an ischemic stroke. By using high-resolution and high-speed photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, the study aims to identify how these small vessels behave and respond during the recovery process in both young and older patients. The goal is to improve our understanding of blood flow restoration in the brain, which is crucial for effective stroke treatment and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for stroke patients, particularly in restoring blood flow to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study vascular functions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Junjie — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Junjie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
-
Robotic ultrasound-guided clot removal for stroke treatment
A new robot-assisted ultrasound system is being developed to help quickly reopen brain arteries during a stroke, with testing in patient-specific 3D-printed models and animal studies.
-
Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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.