Noninvasive treatment for infections in hernia mesh
Official title: Ultrasound Imaging and Treatment of Hernia Mesh
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11014979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound device that helps treat infections related to surgical mesh without needing surgery, making it a safer and more affordable option for patients dealing with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,404 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033359-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have developed infections related to surgical mesh implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without surgical mesh implants or those with infections not related to mesh may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new device that uses ultrasound technology to treat infections associated with surgical mesh without the need for invasive surgery. The approach involves creating tiny bubbles in the tissue that can help destroy bacteria and biofilms causing the infection. By improving imaging techniques and treatment protocols, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness and safety of this noninvasive therapy. The ultimate goal is to provide a less costly and less invasive option for patients suffering from mesh infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with hernia mesh infections, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using cavitation-based histotripsy for this purpose is novel, similar ultrasound techniques have shown promise in other medical applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bigelow, Timothy Allen — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Bigelow, Timothy Allen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
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.