New approaches to making transesophageal echocardiography safer and easier for patients
Official title: Trans Nasal Transesophageal Echocardiography
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11398261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A novel NIH-funded project aims to improve how transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is done, reducing sedation risks and expanding access for adults who need heart imaging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL171790-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) who require TEE as part of their clinical care, including critically ill or pre/post-surgical patients.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not undergoing TEE or those for whom alternative imaging is already adequate may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on TEE, a key heart-imaging test that usually requires anesthesia and special setup. By exploring alternatives to anesthesia and improving workflow, the study seeks to lower costs, reduce patient risk, and broaden availability for critically ill individuals and those undergoing cardiac procedures. The researchers will work within existing clinical settings to test methods that maintain image quality while minimizing sedation-related harm. If successful, patients could experience safer procedures with fewer complications and shorter hospital times.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from safer, faster TEE procedures with lower anesthesia-related risks and greater access.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows promise in reducing anesthesia risk for complex imaging, but this project aims to extend these gains in broader clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tumarkin, Ethan — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Tumarkin, Ethan
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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.