New method to improve imaging of fetal aorta for heart defects
Official title: A Novel Personalized Flow Modeling Paradigm for Fetal Aorta and Its Validation with Fetal Cardiac MRI
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10889688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to better see and understand blood flow in the fetal aorta using regular ultrasound, which could help doctors spot heart problems in babies before they are born.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $516,556 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB034833-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals whose fetuses are at risk for congenital heart defects, particularly those with suspected coarctation of the aorta.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose fetuses are not at risk for congenital heart defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a personalized flow modeling technique to enhance the imaging of the fetal aorta, particularly for diagnosing congenital heart disease (CHD) such as coarctation of the aorta. By utilizing standard fetal echocardiography, the study aims to create a model that accurately assesses blood flow dynamics in the fetal aorta. The new method will be validated against advanced fetal cardiac MRI techniques to ensure its effectiveness and reliability in prenatal screening. This could significantly improve the early detection and management of heart defects in newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of congenital heart defects, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized personalized flow modeling in adult and pediatric heart diseases, indicating potential for success in fetal applications, although this specific approach for fetal circulation is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wei, Zhenglun Alan
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.