Personalized CT and airflow modeling to detect upper airway blockage in infants
Development of a Novel Diagnostic Modality for Upper Airway Obstruction via Integrating Dynamic Computed Tomography with Computational Fluid Dynamics
It creates personalized 3D CT scans combined with computer airflow models to better measure airway blockage in babies with Robin Sequence and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166493 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my baby has breathing problems, this project would use fast, dynamic CT scans and computer airflow simulations to make a 3D map of their upper airway across the breathing cycle. The team will build patient-specific models to calculate how air moves and where resistance or collapse happens. They focus first on infants with Robin Sequence to create objective scores that could help doctors choose between positioning, breathing support, or surgery. The aim is to replace partly subjective decisions with clear, data-driven measures tied to each child's breathing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Infants and young children—especially newborns—with Robin Sequence or other congenital upper airway obstruction who are undergoing evaluation for breathing difficulty.
Not a fit: Adults with other causes of airway problems (such as typical adult obstructive sleep apnea) or patients unable to have CT imaging would likely not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide objective, patient-specific measurements to help doctors choose safer, better-timed treatments and potentially avoid unnecessary surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Combining dynamic CT with computational fluid dynamics for infant airway care is relatively novel—CT and airflow modeling have been used separately, but this specific integrated approach is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, John Patrick — Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
- Study coordinator: Dahl, John Patrick
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.