Using focused ultrasound to treat skin and soft tissue abscesses
Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Abscesses
This study is testing a new, gentle way to treat skin infections like abscesses using focused ultrasound, which could help you avoid painful surgery and reduce side effects, especially if you're dealing with tough bacteria that don't respond to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091639 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new non-invasive treatment for skin and soft tissue infections, specifically abscesses, using focused ultrasound technology. The approach aims to replace the painful standard procedure of incision and drainage by using short pulses of ultrasound to disrupt bacteria and liquefy abscesses. This method could potentially reduce pain, scarring, and complications associated with traditional treatments. The research will also explore its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animal models before moving to human applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from skin and soft tissue abscesses, particularly those who may have difficulty with traditional treatment methods.
Not a fit: Patients with abscesses that are not suitable for non-invasive treatment or those who do not have access to the required technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less painful and more effective treatment option for patients with skin and soft tissue infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using focused ultrasound for various medical applications, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matula, Thomas — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Matula, Thomas
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.