New ultrasound technology for detailed blood vessel imaging

Duplex dual-frequency CMUT array for acoustic angiography

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11129301

This study is working on new ultrasound technology to get clearer pictures of small blood vessels, which could help doctors spot problems related to diseases like cancer and dementia earlier and more easily.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129301 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced ultrasound hardware to improve the imaging of small blood vessels, which can help identify abnormalities linked to various diseases, including cancer and dementia. The project aims to create a specialized transducer array that can transmit and receive ultrasound waves at different frequencies, enhancing the clarity and detail of the images produced. By using innovative techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and ultrafast imaging, the researchers hope to provide a non-invasive method for detecting vascular issues. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of conditions affecting blood vessels.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for vascular diseases, including those with a family history of cancer or dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to vascular abnormalities or those who do not have access to the imaging technology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for detecting vascular abnormalities, potentially allowing for earlier intervention in diseases like cancer and dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced ultrasound techniques for vascular imaging, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.