NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

Using pressure to enhance imaging during surgery.

Official title: Pressure-Enhanced Sensing Surgery (PRESS) as a tool for surgical guidance.

Funded at Doseoptics, LLC · NIH-10922124 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new imaging method that helps surgeons see and understand tissue better during operations, especially for pancreatic tumors, so they can make more informed decisions while performing surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDoseoptics, LLC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lebanon, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$295,747
NIH project number1R43CA291522-01
Project IDNIH-10922124 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic tumors or other solid cancers where precise imaging is critical.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not requiring surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel imaging technique called Pressure-Enhanced Sensing Surgery (PRESS) that utilizes a contrast agent to improve the visualization of tissue during surgical procedures. By administering a prodrug that fluoresces in low-oxygen environments, surgeons can obtain real-time images of tissue function and vascular dynamics while palpating the area. This approach aims to enhance the precision of oncologic surgeries, particularly for pancreatic tumors, by providing immediate feedback on tissue characteristics. The study will explore the effectiveness of this imaging method in guiding surgical decisions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve surgical outcomes by allowing for more precise tumor resections and better preservation of healthy tissue.

How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using fluorescence in surgery is established, the specific application of PRESS as a dynamic imaging tool is novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Doseoptics, LLC
    Lebanon, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ware, William — Doseoptics, LLC
  • Study coordinator: Ware, William

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  • Using ultra-fast imaging to improve electron FLASH radiation therapy

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.