Real-time 3D MRI of the heart and airway
Volumetric Real-Time MRI at 0.55 Tesla
A new low-field 3D MRI method will capture moving hearts and airways in adults to give clearer images without radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251648 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a fast 3D MRI technique that can image the whole heart and airway while they move, from a patient’s perspective. It uses a lower-strength 0.55 Tesla MRI to reduce heating and off‑resonance artifacts, which can improve image quality and comfort. The team will develop the data collection and image reconstruction methods, then perform technical testing and early translation steps. The goal is to make moving-organ imaging clearer and safer than some current options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with heart or airway conditions who need imaging of moving structures could be candidates for related research imaging sessions.
Not a fit: People who do not need heart or airway motion imaging, children under 21, or those who cannot have an MRI (for example due to certain metal implants or devices) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clearer, radiation-free moving images of the heart and airway to help doctors diagnose and plan treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Real-time 2D MRI and volumetric CT/ultrasound approaches have been useful, but full volumetric real-time MRI at 0.55T is a novel and technically unproven advance.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nayak, Krishna Shrinivas — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Nayak, Krishna Shrinivas
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.