Using AI to assess blood vessel health in smokers
Official title: Assessment of microvascular volume in smokers using AI
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11044477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how artificial intelligence can help doctors understand the health of tiny blood vessels in smokers with COPD and emphysema by analyzing CT scans, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $134,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL177703-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are smokers or individuals diagnosed with COPD or emphysema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke and do not have COPD or emphysema may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how artificial intelligence can analyze CT scans to assess the health of microblood vessels in smokers, particularly those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. By focusing on the microvasculature, which is often overlooked, the study aims to better understand how vascular damage contributes to these diseases. Patients will undergo non-contrast CT scans, and the AI algorithm will evaluate the vascular perfusion, potentially leading to improved diagnostic methods and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients with COPD and emphysema.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques and AI for assessing vascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nardelli, Pietro — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nardelli, Pietro
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.