Improving MRI Scans to Measure Blood Flow in Organs and Tissues

Fluid mechanics approach to tissue perfusion quantification in MRI

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11168755

This project is creating a new way to measure blood flow in different body tissues using MRI scans, which can help doctors understand conditions like stroke, kidney problems, and breast tumors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11168755 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Current MRI methods for measuring blood flow in tissues can be tricky because they assume blood enters all areas uniformly and depend on where the measurement is taken. This project is developing a new technique called quantitative transport mapping (QTM) that uses principles of fluid mechanics to precisely track how a special tracer moves through your blood vessels and into your tissues. This advanced method aims to provide more accurate and reliable measurements of blood flow. It will be designed to work with different types of MRI scans, including those used for conditions like ischemic stroke, kidney transplant issues, and breast tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who might benefit from this improved diagnostic tool include those with conditions affecting blood flow to organs, such as individuals with suspected stroke, kidney transplant recipients, or those with breast tumors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require detailed blood flow measurements in their organs or tissues would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic improvement.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new MRI technique could provide doctors with more accurate information about blood flow, leading to better diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring for conditions like stroke, kidney disease, and cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While current MRI methods for measuring blood flow exist, this project introduces a novel fluid mechanics approach to overcome known limitations and improve accuracy.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.