Real-time 3D lung imaging for ventilated infants
Real-time EIT pulmonary imaging for infants requiring ventilatory therapy
This project uses a safe, non‑radiation 3D electrical impedance tomography system to give doctors real‑time images of breathing and blood flow in premature infants on ventilators.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319013 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your baby needs a ventilator, researchers will use a noninvasive imaging method called electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to create real‑time 3D pictures of regional ventilation and pulsatile perfusion. The team will build a new adaptive current tomography system and novel 3D reconstruction algorithms specifically designed for very young intubated infants. Clinicians would use these images to guide choices about ventilator timing strategies and bronchodilator use tailored to each infant. The technique involves no ionizing radiation and is intended to provide continuous bedside functional information.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Premature or newborn infants who are intubated and receiving ventilatory support for respiratory failure or suspected bronchopulmonary dysplasia would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Babies who are not on ventilators, older children, or those with lung conditions unrelated to ventilatory management are unlikely to benefit from this specific imaging approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors tailor ventilator settings and treatments to each infant and reduce ventilator‑induced lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier 2D EIT studies in neonates have shown promise for monitoring ventilation, but real‑time 3D imaging in intubated infants using adaptive current tomography is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mueller, Jennifer Lynn — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Mueller, Jennifer Lynn
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.