Real-time 3D imaging to improve laser treatment for kidney stones
3D real-time super-resolution cavitation mapping in laser lithotripsy of urinary stone disease
A new real-time 3D imaging tool will show tiny bubbles during laser treatment to help doctors break up kidney stones more quickly and safely for people with urinary stones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324004 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would see a new imaging system that captures fast, tiny bubbles produced during laser stone treatment so surgeons can watch what is happening in real time. The team plans to use high-resolution, 3D imaging methods to map cavitation (bubble) activity that helps break stones during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. The approach aims to compare different laser settings and visualize which ones produce the best stone 'dusting' while minimizing extra damage. If successful, the tool could be used during procedures to guide choices about laser power and timing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with kidney or ureteral stones who are candidates for ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: Patients whose stones are treated without laser lithotripsy (for example, managed medically or treated with shockwave lithotripsy) would not directly benefit from this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make laser stone treatments faster, more effective, and reduce the need for extra procedures or instruments.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and imaging studies have shown cavitation affects stone breaking and some ultrasound methods have promise, but real-time 3D super-resolution cavitation mapping is a new approach that has not yet been widely tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Junjie — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Junjie
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.