Noninvasive measurement of portal venous pressure using ultrasound
Official title: Remote Intravascular Pressure Sensing using Ultrasound
Funded at Texas Engineering Experiment Station · NIH-10929715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, safe way to check the pressure in the blood vessels of the liver for people with liver cirrhosis, using special bubbles that can be seen with ultrasound, so you won't need any invasive tests.
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 start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $186,600 |
| NIH project number | 7R21EB034441-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis or other liver conditions that may lead to portal hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or those who do not have complications related to portal hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new method for measuring portal venous pressure noninvasively, which is crucial for patients with liver cirrhosis. The approach utilizes a novel contrast agent that can be activated by ultrasound to create detectable microbubbles, allowing for real-time imaging and pressure estimation. By improving the accuracy and safety of pressure measurements, this method could enhance the routine evaluation of liver disease without the need for invasive procedures. The research team is focused on creating a next-generation imaging system that leverages these advancements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management and treatment of patients with liver disease by providing safer and more accurate pressure measurements.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using ultrasound and contrast agents for similar applications, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Engineering Experiment Station
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyt, Kenneth — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Hoyt, Kenneth
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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.