Using light-based imaging to better understand blood clots
Official title: Quantitative Photoacoustic Imaging Biomarkers for Characterization of Thrombosis
Funded at Oakland University · NIH-11043116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to see and understand blood clots using a special light technique, which could help doctors find the best treatments for people at risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oakland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $341,598 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EB036777-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with thrombosis or at high risk for developing blood clots.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have thrombosis or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of thrombosis, a condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attacks. It aims to develop a non-invasive imaging technique called photoacoustic imaging, which uses light to visualize and characterize blood clots more effectively than current methods. By analyzing the unique properties of clots, this approach could help determine the best treatment options for patients. The study will involve advanced imaging technology to provide detailed information about the type and age of clots.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for patients with blood clots.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques for diagnosing blood clots, but this specific approach using photoacoustic imaging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oakland University
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiacek, Alycen — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Wiacek, Alycen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots
A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
-
Understanding how DVT forms and heals to prevent vein scarring
This NIH grant supports a physician-scientist to study why deep vein clots form and how vein walls get scarred, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for patients who develop DVT.
-
Piezo1’s role in blood clotting across vessels
Researchers are exploring how a tiny sensor in blood vessels called Piezo1 influences clot formation, with the aim of reducing clotting risks without causing dangerous bleeding.
-
Oscillatory blood flow and vein valve health to prevent clots
Aimed at understanding how the natural rhythmic blood flow in leg veins protects against clots and whether restoring that flow can prevent dangerous vein clots in hospitalized patients.
-
Local anti-inflammatory therapy to help dissolve clots and prevent vein damage in DVT
Aims to test a local anti-inflammatory treatment to help resolve deep vein clots and reduce long-term vein problems in people with DVT.
-
Precision risk tools for blood clots and bleeding in critically ill children
A pediatric-focused project will use existing data from many hospitals to build and test a risk model that helps doctors decide which very sick kids might benefit from clot-prevention therapies.
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.