New ultrasound technology for heart and artery procedures

Flexible piezo film intravascular ultrasound arrays on guidewires and catheters

NIH-funded research Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10790169

This study is testing a new ultrasound technology that can be added to the tools doctors use during heart procedures, making it easier for them to see and measure artery blockages in real-time, which could help make your treatment safer and more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10790169 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology that can be integrated into standard guidewires and catheters used in heart and artery procedures. By utilizing a flexible piezoelectric material, the team aims to create ultrasound arrays that provide real-time imaging and measurements during interventions like balloon angioplasty and stent deployment. This technology seeks to simplify the imaging process, making it easier for doctors to assess conditions such as artery blockages without extending procedure times. The goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of cardiovascular interventions through improved imaging capabilities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing procedures for coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not require interventional procedures or those who are not candidates for angioplasty or stenting may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective cardiovascular procedures by providing real-time imaging during interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches in integrating imaging technologies into medical devices have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.