Non-invasive Blood Pressure Measurement for Liver Disease
Remote Intravascular Pressure Sensing using Ultrasound
This project is developing a new, gentle way to measure blood pressure inside blood vessels for people with liver disease, without needing invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Engineering Experiment Station NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many serious problems from liver cirrhosis happen because of high blood pressure in the liver's blood vessels, called portal hypertension. Currently, checking this pressure requires an invasive procedure that carries risks. Our team is working on a new method using ultrasound and a special contrast agent that changes when exposed to ultrasound, allowing us to detect pressure remotely. This technology, called TIPE-US, aims to provide an accurate and non-invasive way to measure these pressures. The goal is to create a next-generation imaging system that can safely and easily monitor portal hypertension.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately for patients with liver cirrhosis who experience or are at risk of increased portal hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients without liver disease or conditions related to portal hypertension would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new method could make it much safer and easier for patients with liver disease to have their portal blood pressure checked, leading to better routine care and reduced risks.
How similar studies have performed: Our group has already gathered promising data suggesting that remote pressure sensing in tissue is possible using this novel contrast agent and custom technology.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyt, Kenneth — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Hoyt, Kenneth
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.