Improving X-ray Detection of Heart Artery Calcium
A dual-layer flat panel x-ray detector based on an engineered amorphous chalcogenide alloy for quantifying coronary artery calcium
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ · NIH-11136871
This project is developing a new type of X-ray detector combined with artificial intelligence to better find and measure calcium buildup in heart arteries, which helps predict heart disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Heart disease is a major health concern, and finding problems early can make a big difference. Currently, doctors use CT scans to measure calcium in heart arteries, a sign of future heart issues, but CT scans can be costly and involve more radiation. This project aims to bring the same level of detailed measurement to standard chest X-rays, which are more common and use less radiation. We are creating a special dual-layer X-ray detector and pairing it with smart computer programs (AI) to accurately spot and quantify calcium in your arteries. This could make it easier and safer to screen for heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might benefit from earlier and more frequent screening for heart disease, especially those at risk for coronary artery calcification, are ideal candidates for future applications of this technology.
Not a fit: Patients without heart disease or those already undergoing advanced cardiac imaging may not directly benefit from this specific technology development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could offer a more accessible and lower-radiation way to detect and quantify coronary artery calcium, helping doctors identify heart disease risk earlier.
How similar studies have performed: While X-ray technology and AI for image analysis are established, this specific combination of a novel dual-layer detector and AI for quantifying coronary artery calcium on chest X-rays represents a new approach.
Where this research is happening
SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ — SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ABBASZADEH, SHIVA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ
- Study coordinator: ABBASZADEH, SHIVA
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 below.