One-stop heart and lung MRI for children with congenital heart problems

Pediatric Cardiopulmonary MRI using RF Navigators and High Dimensional Deep Learning

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11309652

The team is building faster, motion-resistant MRI scans that capture both the heart and lungs in one visit for children with congenital heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11309652 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If my child needs imaging of both the heart and lungs, this project aims to replace multiple tests with a single MRI visit. Researchers will combine special MRI signals called RF navigators with advanced deep-learning image reconstruction to speed scans and correct for breathing and heart motion. That could mean fewer sedations, shorter appointments, and more complete information for doctors caring for my child.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Infants and children with congenital heart disease or other pediatric cardiac conditions who need combined heart and lung imaging are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with MRI-incompatible implants, those who only require a simple echocardiogram or CT, or people unable to travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could provide children a single, quicker MRI that shows both heart and lung anatomy and function, reducing the need for multiple exams and sedation.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows ultrashort echo time MRI and AI-based motion correction can improve cardiac and lung images, but combining these methods into a single pediatric cardiopulmonary exam is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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.
Conditions Cardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
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.