Ultrasound imaging and noninvasive treatment for infected hernia mesh
Official title: Ultrasound Imaging and Treatment of Hernia Mesh
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11258900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a focused ultrasound method to break up bacteria and clear infections on hernia mesh so patients might avoid removing the implant with surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,808 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033359-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have a hernia repair with implanted mesh and a localized mesh infection that is difficult to clear with antibiotics would be the likely candidates for this approach in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with systemic bloodstream infections, infections not related to mesh, or situations where the mesh is irreparably damaged or deeply integrated may not benefit from this noninvasive approach.
What this research studies
The team is developing a focused ultrasound approach called histotripsy that creates tiny bubbles to mechanically destroy bacteria and the biofilm adhered to surgical mesh without cutting into the patient. They will optimize the ultrasound pulse pattern to reduce leftover cavitation effects and shorten treatment time while measuring any impact on the mesh itself. The investigators will also work to make the mesh easier to see using combined shear-wave and pulse-echo imaging and by adding tiny glass microspheres to the mesh fibers to boost contrast. Finally, the safety and effectiveness of the optimized imaging and therapy will be tested in animal models before any human testing is planned.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let people with infected hernia mesh avoid invasive removal surgery by offering a noninvasive way to clear the infection.
How similar studies have gone: Focused ultrasound and histotripsy have shown promise in preclinical and some early clinical settings for tissue ablation and clot or tumor disruption, but applying it specifically to clear bacterial biofilms on implanted mesh is a newer, largely preclinical application.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bigelow, Timothy Allen — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Bigelow, Timothy Allen
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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.